GB2583812A

GB2583812A - Storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2583812A
Application number: GB2001590.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Callum
Original assignee: AMG Group Ltd
Current assignee: AMG Group Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-07
Filing date: 2020-02-06
Publication date: 2020-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-06
Also published as: GB2583812B; GB201901690D0; GB202001590D0

Abstract

A storage bag 10 for outdoor equipment, such as a tent or awning. The bag has a restraining device 16, such as straps, within the housing 12 of the bag to hold the item to be stored and transported. The bag may have a rigid base 12e and rigid side walls 12a-d, and a flexible housing may be made from fabric. The base of the bag may be a rigid component or flexible. The side walls may be partly rigid 12a'-d'. The rigid base and side walls may be separate components to the housing and may be attached to the housing. There may be metal support members 12I fixed to the rigid base. The sides and upper of the housing may be flexible and compressed via straps (28, fig. 3d). The opening 14 of the bag may be a panel or flap forming the top and a side of the bag. The restraining straps may allow the contents, such as a tent or awning, of the bag to be compressed. The bag may have wheels. The bag may also include the item to be stored 18, such as a tent or shelter.

Description

Storage Apparatus

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a storage apparatus, particularly, but not exclusively, a storage apparatus for storing outdoor equipment.

Background to the invention

Storage bags for tents, or the like, are known. Bags such as these are used to store and transport tents when not in use. Loading a tent into the bag after use can be a difficult and time consuming task, as a significant amou nt of care is often required to fold the tent into a specific size and/or shape that allows it to be loaded into the bag. Also, with known storage bags it is difficult to maintain the shape and size of the folded tent as it is inserted into the bag. This often results in a partial unfolding of the tent, which hinders the loading process, and, in some cases, may requ ire a refolding of the tent.

The inventor has appreciated the shortcomings in these known storage bags.

Statements of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing being configured to receive an item to be stored; an access portion, the access portion being configured to provide 30 access to the housing forth e item; and an item restraining device, the item restraining device being located within the housing and configurable to restrain the item within the housing.

The storage apparatus may be a portable storage apparatus. The storage 5 apparatus may be wheeled. The storage apparatus may include one or more wheels to allow for movement of the apparatus.

The housing may be a cuboid. The housing may be a rectangular cu boid.

The housing may be generally cuboid-shaped. The housing may be 10 generally rectangular cuboid-shaped.

The housing may be a bag. The bag may be generally rectangular-shaped.

The housing may include a base portion. The base portion may be substantially rectangular. The base portion may be substantially rectangular in shape.

The housing may include a pluralityof side portions. The side portions may be side walls. The housing may include four side portions. The side portions may together define the walls, or sides, of the cuboid/rectangular cuboid.

The side portions may be generally rectangular. The side portions may be substantially rectangular in shape.

The housing may include an upper portion. The upper portion may be configured to face the base portion. The upper portion may be generally rectangular. The upper portion may be substantially rectangular in shape.

The housing may include a chamfered portion adjoining at least two side portions and the upper portion. The two side portions may face each other. The chamfered portion may be curved. The upper portion of the housing may have at least one curved edge portion. The upper portion of the housing may have a plurality of curved edge portions. The edge portion (s) may be the edges between a side portion and the upper portion.

The base portion may be configured to provide support to the item to be stored. The base portion may be substantially rigid. The base portion may be rigid. The base portion may include a plastic material. The plastic material may provide the rigidity to the base portion. The plastic material may be located in a pocket, or pouch, of the housing. The plastic material may be a sheet of plastic. The plastic material may be polyester, polyamide, nylon, or the like.

The housing may be made from a fabric material. The fabric may be made from nylon, polyester, polyamide, or the like.

The housing may be flexible. The housing may be compressible. The 20 housing may be deformable. That is, the housing may be capable of being compressed, folded, rolled, or the like.

The base portion of the housing may be flexible. The base portion of the housing may be made from a fabric material. The fabric material may be 25 the same material as the side portions and upper portion of the housing.

The rigid base portion may be a separate member. The rigid base portion may be inserted into the housing. The rigid base portion may be located on the base portion of the housing. The rigid base portion may be attachable to the base portion of the housing. That is, the apparatus may have a flexible base portion and a rigid base portion may be placed thereon and, optionally, attached thereto. The rigid base portion may be attachable to the flexible base portion of the housing by a releasable fastening device, such as a pop rivet, button, zip, or the like, or may be fixedly attached by stitching, welding, bonding, riveting, or the like.

The rigid base portion may include an attachment spar. The attachment spar may comprise the releasable fastening device, or the fixing devices.

The attachment spar may run in the direction of the lateral axis of the 10 apparatus.

The rigid base portion may be a sheet of substantially rigid material, such as plastic, or the like. The rigid base portion may include at least one rigid side portion. The at least one rigid side portion may be joined to the rigid base portion. The at least one rigid side portion may be attachable to the rigid base portion. The at least one rigid side portion may be formed with the rigid base portion. Where the rigid base portion is a sheet of rigid material, the at least one side portion may be an extension of the sheet. In this case, the at least one rigid side portion is created by the sheet of material being longerthan the length of the housing, such that the sheet extends in the vertical direction. The rigid base portion may include two rigid side portions. Each rigid side portion may be joined to the rigid base portion. Each rigid side portion may be attachable to the rigid base portion. Each rigid side portion may be formed with the rigid base portion.

Where the rigid base portion is a sheet of rigid material, each rigid side portion may be an extension of the sheet. The two rigid side portions may be oppositely-facing portions located at opposite ends of the sheet of rigid material. Both rigid side portions may be created by the sheet of material being longerthan the length of the housing, such that each sheet extends in the vertical direction.

The, or each, of the side portions of the housing may include a rigid portion. That is, the, or each, side portion may have a substantially flexible portion and a substantially rigid portion. The substantially flexible portions may be located towards the upper portion of the housing, and the substantially rigid portions may be located towards the lower portion of the housing, adjacentthe base portion.

The, or each, substantially rigid side portions may be attachable to the side portions of the housing. The, or each, substantially rigid side portions may be attachable to the flexible side portions of the housing. The, or each, substantially rigid side portions may be located in pouches, or housings, within the flexible side portions of the housing. The substantially rigid side portions may be removable from the flexible side portions of the housing.

A substantially rigid side portion may be located on the side portion where the access portion is located. A substantially rigid side portion may be located on the access portion of the housing. A substantially rigid side portion may be attachable to, and removable from, the access portion of the housing.

The base portion may include one or more support members. The one or more support members may be configured to provide rigidity to the rigid base portion. The one or more support members may be configured to provide rigidity to the at least one rigid side portion. The one or more support members may be configured to provide rigidity to the rigid base portion and the at least one rigid side portion. The support members may be configured to prevent relative movement between the rigid base portion and the at least one rigid side portion of the housing. The support members may be substantially L-shaped members.

The support members may be attached/attachable to the rigid base portion. The support members may be attached/attachable to the rigid side portion. The support members may be attached/attachable to the rigid side portion and rigid base portion.

The one or more support members may be longitudinal members that run at least partially along the length of the rigid base portion. The one or more support members may be longitudinal members that run at least partially along the height of the at least one rigid side portion. The one or more support members may be longitudinal members that run at least partially along the length of the rigid base portion and at least partially along the height of the at least one rigid side portion.

The one or more support members may be made of metal, such as aluminium, or the like. The one or more support members may be fixedly attached to the rigid base portion an d/orthe rigid side portion. The apparatus may include two support members. The support members may be arranged to be parallel with respect to one another.

The rigid base portion may include cut-out, or cut-away portions. The cutout, or cut-away portions may be configured to receive one or more wheel 25 members.

The rigid base portion may be fixedly attached to the flexible base portion of the housing. The rigid base portion may be fixedly attached to the flexible base portion of the housing at a plurality of locations. The rigid base portion may be fixedly attached to the flexible base portion of the housing by fastening devices, such as rivets, or the like.

Where the housing includes a rigid base portion, the side portions and upper portion may be flexible, compressible, or deformable, such that these portions may be capable of being compressed, folded, rolled, or the like. Where the housing includes a rigid base portion and lower rigid side portions, the u pper side portions and upper portion may be flexible, compressible, or deformable, such thatthese portions may be capable of being compressed, folded, rolled, or the like.

The housing may include a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis.

The housing may have a length of between 400mm and 1200mm. The 15 housing may have a width of between 300mm and 800mm. The housing may have a height of between 700mm and 800mm. However, it should be appreciated that other dimensions are possible.

The housing may include one or more handle portions. The, or each, handle portion being attached to an outer portion of the housing. The housing may include a handle portion on at least two opposing side portions thereof. The housing may include two handle portions on at least two opposing side portions thereof. The two handle portions may be adjacent one another.

The housing may include at least one pocket portion located on the outer portion of the housing. The at least one pocket portion may be located on a side portion of the housing. The pocket portion may include an access slot to allow fora sheet of material, such as paper, to be inserted therein.

The housing may include an apparatus support member. The apparatus support member may be located on the base portion of the housing. The apparatus support member may be configured to support the housing. The apparatus support member may be configured to separate the base portion of the housing from the ground when stationary. The apparatus support member may be configured to ensure thatthe apparatus is spaced from the ground when stationary. The apparatus support members may be support feet. The apparatus support members may be attached, or attachable, to the base portion of the housing. The apparatus support members may be located at the corner portions of the base portion of the housing. The apparatus may include two or three apparatus support members located towards one side of the housing. Each apparatus support member may be located on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

The housing may include one or more wheel members. The wheel members may be located on the base portion of the housing. The wheel members may be configured to support and allow transport of the apparatus. The wheel members may be configured to separate the base portion of the housing from the ground when stationary. The wheel members may be configured to ensure that the apparatus is spaced from the ground when stationary. The wheel members may be attached, or attachable, to the base portion of the housing. The wheel members may be located at the corner portions of the base portion of the housing. The apparatus may include two or three wheel members located towards one side of the housing. Each wheel member may be located on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

The apparatus may include two apparatus support members and two or 30 three wheel members located on the base portion of the housing.

The access portion may be arranged to define an aperture, opening, orthe like, to allow access to the housing forth e item to be stored. The access portion may be located on the housing. That is, the access portion may be part of the housing.

The access portion may be configurable between a first state, in which the access portion allows an item to be inserted into, or removed from, the housing, and a second state, in which the access portion prevents an item 10 from being inserted into, or removed from, the housing.

The access portion may be formed within a portion of the housing. The access portion may be formed within at least one side portion of the housing. The access portion may be formed within a side portion and the upper portion of the housing. The access portion may be formed within the upper portion of the housing.

The access portion may be substantially the same size/area as a side portion of the housing. The access portion may be substantially the same size/area as the upper portion of the housing. The access portion may be substantially the same size/area as a side portion of the housing and the upper portion of the housing.

The access portion may be a side portion of the housing. The access portion may be the upper portion of the housing. The access portion may be a side portion of the housing and the upper portion of the housing.

The access portion may be an openable and closable portion. The access portion may be an open able and closable panel/side portion. The access portion may be opened and closed by a releasable fastening device. The releasable fastening device may be a zip, or the like.

The access portion may be configured such thatwhen it is in the first state the access portion may lie flat against the ground upon which the apparatus is placed. The access portion may be configured such that when it is in the first state the access portion may lie flat against the ground. In this arrangement the base portion and the access portion may be substantially planar. That is, the base portion and the access portion lie substantially on the same plane.

The access portion may be a drop-down side portion/panel.

The access portion may be a flap portion. The access portion may be 15 attached to the housing at the base portion thereof. The access portion may be attached to the housing in the region of the base portion thereof.

The releasable fasten ing device of the access portion may follow a path that runs substantially around the edges of the side portion of the housing.

The releasable fasten ing device of the access portion may follow a path that runs substantially around the edges of the upper portion of the housing. The releasable fastening device of the access portion may follow a path that runs su bstantiallyarou nd the edges of a side portion and the upper portion of the housing.

The releasable fasten ing device of the access portion may follow a path that runs substantially around three edges of the side portion of the housing. The releasable fastening device of the access portion may follow a path that runs substantiallyaround three edges of the upper portion of the housing. The releasable fastening device of the access portion may follow a path that runs substantially around two edges of the side portion and three edges of the upper portion of the housing.

The item restraining device may be attached/attachable to an inner portion of the housing. The item restraining device may be attached to an inner portion of a side portion of the housing. The item restraining device may be fixedly attached to an inner portion of the housing. The item restraining device may be attached to the access portion of the housing. The item restraining device may be attached to an inner portion of the access portion of the housing. The item restraining device may be attached to the flap portion.

The item restraining device may be attached to the housing at an area where the access portion meets with the base portion.

The item restraining device may be fixedly attached to the housing. The item restraining device may be stitched, welded, bonded, or riveted to the housing. At least one portion of the item restraining device may be fixedly attached to the housing. At least one portion of the item restraining device may be stitched to the housing.

The item restraining device may be configured to receive and secure the item to be stored within the housing. The item restraining device may be configured to retain the item to be stored against the in n er su rface of the housing. The item restraining device may be configured to retain the item to be stored against the in nersurface of the access portion of the housing. The item restraining device may be configured to retain the item to be stored again stthe in n er su rface of a side portion of the housing. The item restraining device may be configured to retain the item to be stored against the inner su rface of a side portion of the housing and the base portion of the housing.

The item restraining device may be configured to allow compression of the 5 item to be stored. The item restraining device may be configured to allow the volume of the item to be stored to be reduced.

The item restraining device may include one or more straps. The straps may be configured to surround at least a portion of the item to be stored.

The straps may be adjustable. The straps may be adjustable in length. The straps may have an adjustable length. The straps may include a releasable fastening portion. The releasable fastening portion may be a buckle, or the like.

The one or more straps may be webbing straps. The one or more straps may be made from a webbing material.

The item restraining device may include one or more straps. The item restraining device may include two straps.

The, or each, strap may be arranged to lie in the direction of the lateral axis of the apparatus. The, or each, strap may be arranged to lie along the lateral axis of the apparatus. The, or each, strap may be arranged to lie in a direction that is perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

The apparatus may be configured to receive a piece of outdoor camping equipment, such as a tent, awning, or the like. The apparatus may be configured to receive a collapsible shelter, such as a tent, awning, orthe like. The item to be received by the apparatus may be in a collapsed, folded, or rolled state.

The item restraining device may be configured to allow compression of the shelter, tent, awning, or the like, within the housing. The item restraining device may be configured to allow compression and retention of the shelter, tent, awning, or the like, within the housing.

The apparatus may fu rther comprise one or more housing compression devices. The one or more housing compression devices may be configured to allow compression of the housing. The one or more housing compression devices may be configured to allow the volume of the housing to be reduced. The one or more housing compression devices may be configured to allow the volume of the housing and the item to be stored, when stored therein, to be reduced.

The one or more housing compression devices may be attached to an outer portion of the housing. The one or more housing compression devices may be attached to an outer portion of one or more side portions of the housing. The one or more housing compression devices may be fixedly attached to an outer portion of the housing. The one or more housing compression devices may be attached to the access portion of the housing and an oppositely facing side portion of the housing. The one or more housing compression devices may be attached to an outer portion of the access portion of the housing and an outer portion of an oppositely facing side portion of the housing. The one or more housing compression devices may be attached to the flap portion of the housing and an oppositely facing side portion of the housing.

The one or more housing compression devices may be fixedly attached to the housing. The one or more housing compression devices may be stitched, welded, bonded, or riveted to the housing. At least one portion of the one or more housing compression devices may be fixedly attached to the housing. At least one portion of the one or more housing compression devices may be stitched, welded, bonded, or riveted to the housing.

The one or more housing compression devices may include one or more straps. The straps may be configured to surround at least a portion of the housing. The straps may be adjustable. The straps may be adjustable in length. The straps may have an adjustable length. The straps may include a releasable fastening portion. The releasable fastening portion may be a buckle, or the like.

is The one or more housing compression devices may include two straps.

The housing may include one or more operating instructions. The operating instructions may describe and illustrate the operation of the apparatus. The one or more operating instructions may be printed on an inner portion of a side portion of the housing.

The apparatus may fu rther comprise an item to be stored. The item to be stored may be a shelter, tent, awning, piece of outdoor equipment or the like. The item to be stored may be a collapsible shelter, tent, awning, or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing being configured to receive an item to be stored: an access portion, the access portion being configured to provide access to the housing forthe item; an item restraining device, the item restraining device being located within the housing and configurable to restrain the item within the housing; and an item to be stored.

The item to be stored may be a shelter, tent, awning, piece of outdoor equipment, or the like. The item to be stored may be a collapsible shelter, tent, awning, or the like.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing being configured to receive an item to be stored, and including an access portion, the access portion being configured to provide access to the housing forthe item; and an item restraining device, the item restraining device being located with in the housing and configurable to restrain the item within the housing.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first or second aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the third aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing being configured to receive an item to be stored; an access portion, the access portion being configured to provide 15 access to the housing forthe item; and an item compression device, the item compression device being located within the housing and configurable to compress the item within the housing.

The item compression device may also include an item restraining device. The item compression device may also be the item restraining device.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention ortheir embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fourth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figs. la and 1 b are perspective views of a storage apparatus in according to the present invention; Fig. 2a is a plan view of the storage apparatus of Fig. 1 b; Figs 2b and 2d are end views of the storage apparatus of Fig. 1 b; Fig. 2c is a side view of the storage apparatus of Fig. lb; and Figs. 3a to 3d illustrate the storage apparatus of Figs. la and lb in use with an item to be stored.

Description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Figs. 1 a and 1 b, a storage apparatus 10 is illustrated. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the storage apparatus 10 is arranged to provide storage and transport of a collapsible shelter, such as a tent, awning, piece of outdoor camping equipment, or the like.

The storage apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12, an access portion 14 located on the housing 12, and an item restraining device 16.

As illustrated best in Figs. 3a to 3d, and described further below, the housing 12 is configured to receive an item to be stored 18, which in the 30 embodiment illustrated and described here is a tent The housing 12 is a generally rectangularshaped cuboid with fourside portions 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, a base portion 12e and an upperportion 12f. The housing 12 has a longitudinal axis 12g and a lateral axis 12h.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here each side portion 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d includes substantially rigid portion 12a', 12b', 12c' and 12d'. The substantially rigid portions 12a', 12b', 12c' and 12d' are located around the base portion 12e of the housing 12. The substantially rigid portions 12a', 12b', 12c' and 12d' are plastic members that are configured to provide support to the housing 12.

Rigid portions 12a' and 12c' are attached, or attachable, to the side portions 12a and 12c of the housing 12. Rigid portion 12c' is located within a pocket 12c" of side portion 12c, and rigid portion 12a' is located within a pocket 12a" of side portion 12a (access portion 14).

The base portion 12e is rectangular in shape, and is configured to provide support to the tent 18. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the base portion 12e is a rigid plastic member. However, it should be appreciated that the base portion 12e may be made from an other su itable material. The base portion 12e is a separate member and is inserted into the housing 12 and lies on a flexible base portion 12e', which is made from the same material as the upper portion 12f and side portions 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d of the housing 12.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the length of the rigid base portion 12e is greater than the length of the flexible base portion 12e'. This results in the formation of the rigid side portions 12b' and 12d', 30 as the rigid side portions 12b' and 12d' extend upwards from the flexible base portion 12e' in the vertical direction. It should, however, be appreciated that the rigid base portion 12e may be the same length as the flexible base portion 12e' and the rigid side portions 12b' and 12d' may be separate portions that are inserted into the housing 12 in the same manner as the rigid side portions 12a' and 12c'. The rigid side portions 12b' and 12d' may be formed with the rigid base portion 12e, or formed separately therefrom.

The rigid base portion 12e is attached to the flexible base portion 12e' by 10 rivets, or the like, across an attachment spar 12k. However, it should be appreciated that the rigid base portion 12e is attached to the flexible base portion 12e' by other suitable means, releasable or not.

As best illustrated in Figs. la, 1 b and 2a, housing 12 includes two support members 121. The support members 121 are metal members that provide support to the rigid base portion 12e and rigid side portion 12d'. The support members are substantially L-shaped metal members that are attached to the rigid base portion 12e and the rigid side portion 12d'. They run in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12g of the apparatus 10 partially along the rigid base portion 12e and in the vertical direction partially along the rigid side portion 12d'.

The side portions 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d together create the walls, or sides, of the housing 12. As illustrated, the side portions 12a, 12b, 12c 25 and 12d are generally rectangularin shape.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the upper portion 12f of the housing 12 includes two curved edge portions 12i that connect the upper portion 12f to the side portions 12a, 12c. However, it should be appreciated that the curved edge portions 12i are not essential, and the housing 12 may take an alternative shape.

The housing 12 may be made from a nylon or polyester material, and is 5 therefore deformable. It should, of course, be appreciated that the housing 12 may be made from other suitable materials, and the base portion 12e may, or may, not be rigid.

The housing 12 may have a length of between 400mm and 1200mm a width of between 300mm and 800mm, a height of between 700mm and 800mm. It should, of course, be appreciated that the housing 12 may have dimensions outside this range. The dimensions may be dictated by the size of the item to be stored.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the housing 12 includes four handle portions 20. As illustrated, the handles 20 are located on opposing side portions 12b and 12d. The handles 20 are located adjacent to one another. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements are possible.

As best illustrated in Fig. la, the housing 12 includes a pocket portion 12j (an example of at least one pocket portion) located on the side portion 12b of the housing 12. The pocket portion 12j may include an access slot 12j' to allow for a sheet of material, such as paper, to be inserted therein.

As best illustrated in Figs. 2b to 2d, the housing 12 includes supportfeet 22 (an example of an apparatus support member), and wheels 24 (an example of wheel members). The support feet 22 and wheels 24 are arranged to separate the base portion 12e of the housing 12 from the ground when stationary. The wheels 24 allow transport of the storage apparatus 10. In order to transport the storage apparatus 10 using the wheels 24, the handles 20 on the opposite side of the housing 12 from the wheels 24 are used to lift the housing 12, such that the storage apparatus 10 can be wheeled.

The support feet 22 and wheels 24 are located at the corner portions and middle portions of the base portion 12e of the housing 12. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements of these components are possible.

The access portion 14 is configured to provide access to the housing 12 for the tent 18. As described further below, the access portion 14 is arranged to define an aperture 14a that allows access to the housing 12 for the tent 18.

As best illustrated in Figs. la, 1 b, 3c and 3d, the access portion 14 may have a first state, in which the access portion 14 allows the tent 18 to be inserted into, or removed from, the housing 12 (Fig. 1 b and 3c), and a second state, in which the access portion 14 prevents the tent 18 from being inserted into, or removed from, the housing 12 (Fig la and 3d).

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the access portion 14 is formed within a portion of the housing 12, as illustrated in Figs. la and lb, where the access portion 14 is formed within the side portion 12a and the upper portion 12f. However, it should be appreciated that the access portion 14 may be formed at any other suitable location in the housing 12.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the access portion 14 is substantially the same size/area as the side portion 12a and the upper portion 12f of the housing 12.

The access portion 14 is openable and closable by a zip 26 (an example of a releasable fastening device). As illustrated, the zip 26 runs along the side portion 12a from the comer of the base portion 12e upwards towards the upper portion 12f, then along the upper portion 12f towards the edge between the upper portion 12f and the side portion 12c, then towards the side portion 12d, then back towards the side portion 12a, and then down the side portion 12a towards the other corner of the base portion 12e. That is, the zip 26 follows a path that runs substantially around two edges 10 of the side portion la and three edges of the upper portion 12f of the housing 12. However, it should be appreciated that other zip routes are possible.

As illustrated in Fig. 1 b, the access portion 14 is configured such that when it is in the first state the access portion 14 lies flat against the ground upon which the storage apparatus 10 is placed. The operation of the storage apparatus 10 will be explained further below.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 b, 3c and 3d, the item restraining device 16 is located within the housing 12 and is configurable to restrain the tent 18 therein. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the item restraining device 16 is attached to an inner portion of the side portion 12a.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the item restraining device 16 takes the form of two straps 16a that are configured to wrap around the tent 18 to restrain the tent 18 within the housing 12, as described further below. The straps 16a have an adjustable length and are releasable via releasable buckles 16b (an example of a releasable fastening portion). The straps 16a are webbing straps, however other suitable materials and types of straps may be used.

The purpose of the item restraining device 16 is to receive and secure the tent 18 within the housing 12. Due to the adjustable length of the straps 16a, the item restraining device 16 is also capable of compressing the tent 18 to reduce its volume before being stored in the housing 12,as described further below.

As best illustrated in Fig. 1b, the straps 16a are arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 12g of the housing 12. That is, the straps 16a are arranged to lie along the lateral axis 12h of the housing 12. This arrangement eases the storing of the tent 18 into the housing 12, as described further below.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the straps 16a are stitched to the in n erside of the side portion 12a at stitch points 16c. The stitch points 16c are located in the area where the side portion 12a meets the base portion 12e. However, it should be appreciated that the straps 16a could be fixedly attached to the housing 12 by other suitable means and at other suitable locations.

As illustrated in Figs. la and 3d, the storage apparatus 10 also includes a housing compression device 28, which in the embodiment illustrated and 25 described here includes two straps 28a that are configured to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing 12.

The housing compression device 28 is configured to allow compression of the housing 12. With the tent 18 stored in the housing 12, the housing compression device 28 is configured to allow compression of the housing 12 and the tent 18, as described further below.

The housing compression device 28 is attached to an outer portion of the housing 12. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the straps 28a are attached to the housing 12 at the side portions 12a (access portion 14) and 12c. However, it should be appreciated that the straps 28 may be attached at other suitable locations on the outer surface of the housing 12.

The straps 28a have an adjustable length and are releasable via releasable buckles 28b (an example of a releasable fastening portion). The straps 28a are webbing straps, however other suitable materials and types of straps may be used.

As described above, the purpose of the housing compression device 28 is to compress the housing 12 and tent 18 therein to reduce the volume thereof for easier storing and transport of the apparatus 10. The adjustable length of the straps 28a allows the housing compression device 28 to compress the housing 12 and tent 18, as described further below.

The straps 28a are stitched to the housing 12 at stitch points 28c. However, it should be appreciated that the straps 28a may be attached by any other suitable means at any other suitable location. Also, as best illustrated in Fig. 1a, the straps 28a are arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 12g of the housing 12. That is, the straps 28a arranged to lie along the lateral axis 12h of the housing 12.

The storage apparatus 10 also includes operating instructions 30. The 30 operating instructions 30 describe and illustrate the operation of the storage apparatus 10. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the operating instructions 30 are printed on an inner portion of a side portion 12a of the housing 12. However, it should be appreciated that the operating instructions 30 may be located at any other suitable location inside or outside the housing 12.

With reference to Figs. 3a to 3d, the operation of the storage apparatus 10 with a tent 18 will now be described. As described above, the storage apparatus 10 is used to store and transport a tent 18, or the like, such as a shelter, awning, camping equipment etc. The tent 18 is collapsible and the storage apparatus 10 is used to store and transport the tent 18 when it is not in use.

After use of the tent 18, it must be dismantled/collapsed and stored. Here, 15 the tent 18 has been dismantled and rolled into a stowing state (Fig. 3a).

The storage apparatus 10 is then arranged to receive the tent 18. In order to configure the storage apparatus 10 to receive the tent 18, the housing 12 is arranged as follows: the access portion 14 is moved from the second state (closed position of Fig. la) to the first state (open position of Fig. 1 b and 4a). This is achieved by firstly releasing the straps 28a by operating the buckles 28b, and then secondly by unzipping the zip 26. The access portion 14 is then laid flat on the ground ready to receive the tent 18. In this position the access portion 14 presents a loading surface 32 for positioning the tent 18 prior to securing with the item restraining device 16.

Fig. 3a illustrates the state where the housing 12 is ready to receive the tent 18.

The next stage is to load the tent 18 onto the loading surface 32 (Fig. 3b). 30 Prior to loading the tent 18 onto the loading surface 32, the straps 16a are released and laid in the direction of the lateral axis 12h of the housing 12 to make way for the tent 18. The straps 16a are also lengthened to aid wrapping around the tent 18. The tent 18 is then loaded onto the loading surface 32 (and straps 16a) and the straps 16a are wrapped around the tent 18 and the fastened with the buckles 16b. The length of the straps 16a are then adjusted (shortened) to compress the tent 18 (Fig. 3c). In this position the tent 18 is secured against the inner portion of the side portion 12a.

The final stage is to move the tent 18 into the housing 12. This is done by lifting the access portion 14 back towards the second state (closed position of Fig. la). Upon doing this, the tent 18 moves into the housing 12 and is supported by the base portion 12e. Because the straps 16a are stitched to the housing 12 at stitch points 16c, the tent 18 is easily pivoted about this point, which eases insertion of the tent 18 into the housing 12.

With the access portion 14 in the second state (closed position of Fig. la), the zip 26 is operated to secure the access portion 14 to the housing 12 and secure the tent 18 within the housing 12. The straps 28a are then reconnected and fastened with the buckles 28b. The length of the straps 28a are then adjusted (shortened) to compress the housing 12 (and tent 18) (Fig. 3d). In this position the housing 12 and tent 18 are compressed and the storage apparatus 10 is ready for transport with the tent 18 safely retained and compressed within the housing 12.

In order to remove the tent 18 from the storage apparatus 10, the above steps are reversed.

Because the storage apparatus 10 includes an item restraining device 16 on the inside of the housing 12, the tent 18 may be secured and restrained 30 within the housing 12. Furthermore, because the item restraining device 16 is fixed to the in ner side of the side portion 12a, the location of the straps 16a is easy to locate for a user, which eases use of the storage apparatus 10. Also, because the straps 16a are adjustable, the tent 18 can be compressed within the housing 12, which allows easier insertion, and removal, of the tent 18 therefrom. In addition, this also allows the housing 12 to be of a smaller size than would otherwise be required, since the required volume of the housing 12 is less.

Furthermore, because the access portion 14 of the housing 12 is substantially formed from the side portion 12a and the upper portion 12f of the housing 12, access to the inside of the housing 12 is improved. This makes it easier to insert, and remove, the tent 18 from the housing 12.

Also, because the access portion 14 lies flat on the ground when it is in the first state (open position, Fig. lb), the tent 18 may be easily placed, or rolled, into engagementwith the access portion 14 and straps 16a. With the straps 16a having a fixed position, as described above, it is easy for the user to locate the tent 18 in the correct position for engagement with the straps 16a. Furthermore, in the first state, the access portion 14 provides a useful area (loading surface 32), which separates the tent 18 from the ground. This is useful to prevent staining ordamage to the tent 18.

Furthermore, because the straps 16a are located on the in n er side of the side portion 12a such that they lie in the direction of the lateral axis 12h of the housing 12, it is easy to wrap them around the tent 18 during insertion of the tent 18 to the housing 12. This is convenient and simplifies use for the user.

Also, because the housing 12 includes straps 28a (housing compression straps 16a), the housing 12 can be compressed further, once the tent 18 is inside the housing 12. This allows compression of the housing 12 itself, and potentially/optionally further compression of the tent 18.

The storage apparatus 10 of the present invention allows the shape and/or size of the tent 18 to be maintained as it is inserted into the housing 12. This facilitates easier insertion and removal of the tent 18 from the housing 12 and avoids any issues with partial, or complete, unfolding of the tent 18 during insertion or removal from the housing 12.

Furthermore, because the stitch points 16c of the straps 16a are located in the area where the side portion 12a meets the base portion 12e, the tent 18 can be easily pivoted between loading surface 32 on the access portion 14 and the base portion 12e, as the access portion 14 is moved from the first state to the second state. This makes insertion and removal of the tent 18 from the housing 12 easierfor the user.

Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiment with in the scope of the present invention. For example, although the housing 12 has been illustrated and describe above as having a rigid base portion 12e, it should be appreciated that the base portion 12e may be non-rigid, and may be flexible. The housing 12 may be a bag. The bag may be a generally rectangular cuboid.

Furthermore, although the access portion 14 had been illustrated and described above as being located on the side portion 12a and upper portion 12f, it should be appreciated that the access portion 14 may be located at any suitable location that allows insertion and removal of the tent 18 from the housing 12. It should be appreciated that locating the access portion 14 on the side portion 12a and upper portion 12f has particular advantages in relation to both the insertion and removal of the tent 18, and the ease of using the item restraining device 16, as described above.

Also, although the item restraining device 16 and the housing compression devices 28 have been illustrated and described above as being straps 16a, 28a, it should be appreciated that these may be any suitable devices that provide retention and compression capability for the tent 18 and housing 12. The item restraining device 16 and the housing compression devices 28 may include a single strap, or two or more straps.

Furthermore, although the storage apparatus 10 has been illustrated and described above as being used to store a tent 18, it should be appreciated that the storage apparatus 10 may be used with other items to be stored. The storage apparatus 10 is particu lady su ited to items that are collapsible, foldable, etc., and can have theirvolumes reduced by compression.

The storage apparatus 10 may also include the item to be stored.

Where the term "rigid" has been used, it should be appreciated that this should be taken to mean either rigid or substantially rigid. That is, is it possible for any component described as rigid to be required to be suitably rigid to provide support to the apparatus, or item to be stored, and to be more rigid than other materials of the housing.

Also, it should be appreciated that the rigidity of the base portion 12e may be provided by a separate member (not illustrated)that may be included 30 within a pocket, or pouch, of the housing 12.

Claims

Claims 1. A storage apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing being configured to receive an item to be stored; an access portion, the access portion being configured to provide access to the housing forthe item; and an item restraining device, the item restraining device being located within the housing and configurable to restrain the item within the housing.
2. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is a rectangularcuboid, with fourside portions, an upper portion and a base portion, the base portion being a rigid member.
3. The storage apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the access portion is configurable between a first state, in which the access portion allows an item to be inserted into, or removed from, the housing, and a second state, in which the access portion prevents an item from being inserted into, or removed from, the housing.
4. The storage apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the access portion is formed in a side portion and an upper portion of the housing.
5. The storage apparatus of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the access 25 portion is substantially the same area as the side portion and upper portion of the housing.
6. The storage apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein access portion is configured such that when it is in the first state it lies flat against 30 the ground upon which the apparatus is placed.
7. The storage apparatus of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the access portion is opened and closed by a releasable fastening device, the releasable fastening device of the access portion being arranged to follow a path that runs substantiallyaround two edges of the side portion and three edges of the upper portion of the housing.
8. The storage apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the item restraining device is attached to an inner portion of the access portion of 10 the housing.
9. The storage apparatus of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the item restraining device is configured retain the item to be stored against the in nersu rface of the access portion of the housing and/or base portion of 15 the housing.
10. The storage apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the item restraining device is configured to allow compression of the item to be stored.
11. The storage apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the item restraining device includes one or more straps, the one or more straps being configurable to surround at least a portion of the item to be stored.
12. The storage apparatus of claim 11, wherein the straps are adjustable in length.
13. The storage apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the straps are releasable and include a releasable fastening portion.
14. The storage apparatus of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the straps are arranged to lie along the lateral axis of the apparatus.
15. The storage apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the 5 apparatus fu rther comprises one or more housing compression devices.
16. The storage apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more housing compression devices are attached to an outer portion of one or more side portions of the housing.
17. The storage apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein the one or more housing compression devices includes one or more straps, the straps being configured to surround at least a portion of the housing.
18. The storage apparatus of claim 17, wherein the straps are adjustable in length.
19. The storage apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the one or more straps are releasable and include a releasable fastening portion.
20. The storage apparatus of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the straps are arranged to lie along the lateral axis of the apparatus.
21. The storage apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the housing 25 includes two handle portions on at least two opposing side portions thereof.
22. The storage apparatus of any of claims 2 to 21, wherein each side portion includes a rigid portion adjacent the rigid base portion.
23. The storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein the rigid base portion is a separate member that is inserted into the housing, the rigid base member having a length that is longer than the length of the housing, such that the end portions of the rigid base portion extend u pwards to form the rigid side portions.
24. The storage apparatus of any of claims 2 to 23, wherein the base portion includes one or more support members, the one or more support members being configured to provide rigidity between the base portion 10 and at least one side portion.
25. A storage apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing being configured to receive an item to be stored: an access portion, the access portion being configured to provide access to the housing forthe item; an item restraining device, the item restraining device being located within the housing and configurable to restrain the item within the housing; and an item to be stored.