IES85750Y1 - A storage device and storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT A collapsible storage device (1) comprising a container having a base (3) and a side wall (4) pivotably joined to the base so that the container is movable between a collapsed configuration in which the container is substantially flat and an expanded configuration defining a top opening (5) and a side opening (6) to an interior (7) of the container. The storage device further comprises a lid (8). Locking means (20) are provided for securing the lid (8) to the sidewall (4) so as to close the top opening of the container and to form a rigid structure. The locking means comprising a complimentary shaped locking tooth (21) and slot (22) formation. The storage device is further provided with a closable flap or door (1 1) which provides access to the interior (7) of the container through the side opening (6) when the container is in the expanded configuration.

Description

"A STORAGE DEVICE AND STORAGE SYSTEM" The present invention relates to a storage device and storage system, and more particularly, to a storage device that once erect can be joined with other adjacent storage devices of form a modular storage system.

Known devices for storing footwear, such as shoes, sandals, boots and the like, include shoe racks, organizers, rolling plinths and so forth. However these devices are open to the ambient and the stored footwear is thus exposed to ambient dust particles and prone to damage. Other known devices would include cardboard and clear plastic boxes.

For these reasons it is preferable to store footwear in -sealed containers. Conventional design of such containers facilitates secure stacking so that the containers are able to be stacked one on top of the other. However, with such a stacked arrangement it is first necessary to remove the container from the stack in order to access an item of footwear.

Further problems regarding ventilation of the footwear and space wastage when transporting the containers also arise. it is a therefore an object of the present invention to provide a storage container and closure which goes at least some way toward overcoming the above problems and/or which will provide" the public and/or industry with a useful alternative.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions be provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted explicitly, the term comprise shall have an inclusive meaning — i.e. that it may be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components. Accordingly, the term ‘comprise’ is to be attributed with as broader interpretation as possible within any given jurisdiction and this rationale should also be used when the terms ‘comprised’ and/or ‘comprising’ are used.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent form the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage device comprising: a container having a base and a side wall pivotably joined to the base so that the container is movable between a collapsed configuration in which the container is substantially flat, and an expanded configuration defining a top opening and a side opening to an interior of the container, and a lid, and locking means for securing the lid to the sidewall so as to close the top opening of the container, whereby the locking means comprises a locking tooth formed on one of the lid and the sidewall, and a locking slot formed in the other of the lid and the sidewall, the locking tooth adapted for secure engagement in the locking slot.

The present invention thus provides a collapsible storage device which is able to be expanded and locked to the lid to form a rigid structure. The use of a locking means comprising a locking tooth and slot ensures that the lid, which is a substantially rigid The construction of the storage device is such that the side wall can be warped or stressed structure, may effectively clip to the container to form a rigid storage device. when fitting the lid so that when secured the lid and side wall are of a sound rigid construction.

Reference in the following description will be made to the present invention being used to store footwear, although it will be understood that the storage device may also be used for storing other items as required or as desired, including but not limited to, items of apparel, such as hats, clothing, under garments, bedding and the like. Accordingly, reference to the use of the present invention for storing footwear should not be seen as limiting.

In another embodiment of the invention, the lid comprising a top wall and a downwardly projecting skirt, and one of the locking tooth and the slot is on the skirt and the other of the locking tooth and the slot is on the side wall.

Preferably, the locking means comprises a plurality of locking teeth formed on one of the lid and the sidewall, and a plurality of locking slots formed in the other of the iid and the sidewall, the locking teeth adapted for secure engagement in the locking slots.

Preferably, the locking means comprises four pairs of locking teeth formed on one of the lid and the sidewall, and four pairs locking slots formed in the other of the lid and the sidewall, each locking tooth adapted for secure engagement in a complimentary locking slot.

Preferably, the storage device comprises a closable flap or door which provides access to the interior of the container through the side opening when the container is in the expanded configuration. Such a flap or door which provides a structure for access to the contents of the container and thereby allows retrieval and placement of storage articles in the storage device without disturbing other storage devices when in a stacked configuration.

Preferably, the storage device is constructed from transparent material. The advantage of this is that the article held within the storage device is visible to a user.

In another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the base, side wall and the lid comprises an array of protrusions.

Preferably, each protrusion comprises at least one venting aperture. This will allow for air flow through the container to prevent the retention and build up of odours during storage.

If stored after wearing the temperature differential between the footwear and the interior ambient of the storage device will cause a pressure differential and flow will occur venting any odors.

In a specific embodiment, each protrusion comprises five venting apertures.

Preferably, the location and orientation of the venting apertures allows the passage of air but prevents the direct fall of dust from entering the storage device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the venting apertures are arranged on an interior surface of the base and sidewall and face in an upward direction. This protects the ventilation system from downward fall of damp air and dust. The thermal-driven warmer cleaner air rises allowing the dehumidifying, antifungal, antibacterial and deodorising flow of air to protect and condition stored articles, such as shoes.

In another embodiment of the invention, when in the collapsed configuration the base and sidewall are adapted to be contained within the lid.

In another embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises side connectors for securing the lid to a lid of an adjacent storage device.

Preferably, the connectors are tongue and groove type connectors.

Preferably, the base of the container comprises connection holes for receiving protrusions extending from a lid of another container to facilitate secure stacking.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base mounts ground engaging feet.

Preferably, the ground engaging feet are formed by protrusions in the base. Such a feature allows main surface of the base to be elevated from the floor and minimise surface contact and surface tension which allows smooth and easy movement on floor surfaces, such as wood, carpet, tiles and the like. in an alternative embodiment, the base mounts ground engaging casters.

Preferably, the storage device is made from one or more of sheet material, corrugated material, extruded moulded plastics, vacuum, roto or blow moulded plastics and cardboard, Preferably, the storage device comprises a tray or drawer for inserting on the base of the storage device to form a type of aeration chamber. Optionally the tray or drawer is raised above the internal surface of the base to form a gap there between the base and the tray.

In one embodiment the tray comprises holes to create an enhanced air chamber under the shoe or product that is stored in the storage device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage system comprising a piurality of storage devices configured according to the first aspect.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a storage device configured according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the storage device of Fig. 1 in which a fiap door is open; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the storage device of Fig. 1 without the flap door; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the flap door; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a base and side wall for the storage device of Fig. 1 in a collapsed configuration; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of Fig. 5 in which the base and side wall are in an expanded configuration; Fig._ 7 is a perspective view of a lid for the storage device shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 8.is a perspective underside view showing of the lid of Fig. 7; Fig. '9 is a perspective view of a pair of interconnected lids of adjacent storage devices, and Figs. 10 and 11 are perspectives view of the storage device of Fig. 1 showing a locking means of the present invention; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of connections used for supporting a stacked configuration of storage devices in a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figs. 13a and 13b are perspective views of an aeration chamber suitable for use with the storage device of Fig. 1; Figs. 14a to 14c are perspective views showing fixings for use in securing the lid to the side wall of the storage device; Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing molded posts 38 provided in the lid or side walls of the storage device; Fig. 16 shows a plurality of offset channels 40 in the lid 8 of the storage device; Fig. 17a and 17b are perspective views showing a wave or undulating link between the lid and side walls of the storage device, and Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a storage device having a side wall and lid with undulating surfaces.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 6, there is shown a storage device formed as a container, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, configured according to the invention. The container 1 may be made from sheet material, corrugated material, extruded moulded plastics, vacuum, mic or blow moulded plastics and cardboard. A storage system comprising a plurality of the containers stacked on top of each and connected in a side by side fashion is also envisaged in a further aspect of the present invention.

The container comprises a base 3 and a side wall 4. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 4 comprises separate wall sections 4a, 4b and 4c, each of which is pivotably joined to the base 3 so that the container 1 is movable between a collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 5, in which the container 1 is substantially flat, and an expanded configuration, as shown in Fig. 6. In the expanded configuration there is a top opening, indicated generally by the reference numeral 5, and a front opening, indicated generally by the reference numeral 6, to the interior 7 of the container 1. The base 3 may optionally comprises ground engaging feet, casters or other means for enabling the container 1 to be easily moved along the ground. The ground engaging feet may be formed by protrusions 14 formed in the base 3. Such a feature ensures the base is elevated from the floor whilst also minimises surface contact and tension which allows smooth and easy movement on floor surfaces, such as wood, carpet, tiles and the like.

In the instance shown, the base 3, side wall 4 and the lid 8 comprises an array or arrangement of protrusions 9. Each protrusion comprises a plurality of venting apertures . This will allow for air flow through the container to prevent the retention and build up of odours during storage of articles. The location and orientation of the venting apertures allows the passage of air through the container 1 but prevents the direct fall of dust from entering the container. In the instance shown, the venting apertures 10 are arranged on an interior surface of the base and sidewall and face in an upward direction. This protects the ventilation system from downward fall of damp air and dust. The thermal- driven warmer cleaner air rises allowing the dehumidifying, antifungal, antibacterial and deodorising flow of air to protect and condition stored articles, such as shoes.

The container 1 also comprises a closable flap or door 11 which provides access to the interior 7 of the container 1 through the front opening 6 when the container is in the expanded configuration. Such a configuration allows retrieval and placement of storage articles in the storage device without disturbing other storage devices when in a stacked configuration.

The container 1 is preferably constructed from transparent material, although it will be understood that the container may be made of opaque, or any type of material as required or as desired. The container 1 may be used to store a variety of products, including, but not limited to footwear.

The storage device also comprises a removable lid 8, shown in Figs. 7 and 8, for closing the top opening 5. The lid 8 is a substantially rigid structure which is securable to the sidewall 4 to form a rigid enclosed box. The lid comprises a top wall 16 and a downwardly projecting skirt 17.

When in the collapsed configuration, the base 3 and sidewall 4 are adapted to be contained within the lid 8. The lid 8 is thus designed and constructed to hold the sides 4 rigidly when erected. It is also designed to hold and stack one container 1 on top of another. The lid 8 may also have a duel purpose as a frame to hold the sides rigidly and also have a detachable top/lid built within it. A slot on top of the lid 8 may be used to drop a clear envelope to hold photos or information on the product in the container 1.

The lid 8 comprises side connectors, indicated generally by the reference numeral 12, for securing the lid of one storage device to a lid of an adjacent storage device (as shown in Fig. 9). In the instance shown, the connectors 12 are tongue and groove type connectors so that the tongue 12a engages in a complimentary slot or groove 12b in a lid 8 of an adjacent storage device 1 forming a storage system.

As shown in Figs. 10 and 11 locking means, indicated generally by the reference numeral , is provided for securing the lid 8 to the sidewall 4 so as to close the top opening of the container 1. The locking means 20 comprises locking teeth 21 which in the instance shown are provided on the lid 8, and complimentary iocking slots 22 formed in the sidewall 4. The locking teeth 21 are thus adapted for secure engagement in the locking slots 22. The use of such a locking means ensures that the lid may effectively clip to the container 1 to form a rigid storage device. The construction of the storage device is such that the side wall can be warped or stressed when fitting the lid using the locking means so that when secured the lid and side wall are of a sound rigid construction.

Additional internai support connections and clips are provided to lock the side walls 4a, 4b and 4c together with and base 3 for added rigidity.

As shown in Fig. 12, the base 3 of the container comprises connection holes for receiving protrusions 15 extending from a lid of another container 13 to facilitate secure stacking.

The present invention thus provides a modular storage solution built up from number of containers 1 in which each container 1 may be connected to the other to form a network of pigeon holes. Each container 1 is collapsible so that it can be folded to create a compact unit for transporting. Each container 1 can be accessed through the flap front door 11 for ease of loading and unloading. The protrusions/undulations 9 in the side walls 4 and base 3 contain a system of hoies 10 that facilitates the flow of air. This flow of air is designed to ' prevent the retention and build up of odours when stored. The location and orientation of the holes 10 ailows the passage of air but prevents the direct tail of dust from entering the container 1. The design of the container 1 can be in two or three parts comprising lid 8 which clips to the base 3 and side walls 4 to form a rigid enclosed box. The front flap or door 11 can be a separate component that clips to the lid 8, base 3 and or side walls 4 making a three piece construction. The construction of the lid 8 is such that the sides of the base 3 and side walls 4 can be warped by the action of fitting causing stresses in the sides that make the construction more rigid. The container 1 is also insect resistant. The venting structures 10 are arranged in the protrusions 9 so that the venting surfaces are predominantly on the up sloped surface regions. The unique landscape of the half-moon and other venting positions ensure that these vents are on the inside of the container and face in an upward direction. This protects the ventilation system from downward fall of damp air and dust. The thermal-driven warmer cleaner air rises allowing the dehumidifying, antifungal, antibacterial and deodorising flow of air to protect and condition the shoes. The lid 8 can also have a top opening feature if required. The container 1 can be constructed so that it comprises material having an ultraviolet tint for the protection of product. The lid 8 is designed to create sideways forces that keep sides stiff and erect.

The lid 8 will have catch points inside the rim to hold box above or below if used in reverse .

A useful function of the present invention is thus that it allows visible identification of the products inside. The container 1 can be nested, stacked or folded. The use of transparent plastic and the ability to retrieve and store shoes and other products without destacking the boxes is also advantageous. The container will be available in a number of sizes to fit all types and sizes of shoe wear or other stored articles.

With reference to Figs. 13 a and 13b, there is shown a tray or drawer 30 for inserting on the base 3 of the storage device 1 to form a type of aeration chamber. In the instance shown, the tray 30 is raised above the internal surface of the base 3 to form a gap therebetween. The tray 30 comprises holes 32, which may be optionally clustered, and be located above the ground engaging protrusions 14 in the base 3. This feature may also be used independently of the storage device 1. Use of the tray insert 30 creates an enhanced air chamber under the shoe or product that is stored in the storage device 1.

The extra natural air flow created by this chamber allows for the dissipation of odours, greater dehumidifying, anti-fungallbacterial and drying properties for stored products. It allows the introduction of substances for air treatment into the chamber. These substances are isolated or physically separated from the stored product. Substances including pot pouri, perfume, airfreshner, other fragrance products, anti fungal, antibacterial, insect repellent, dehumidifying or any other product care substances can be placed in the under the tray 30 as required.

With reference to Figs. 14a to 14c, the lid 8 andlor base 3 may have holes 34 in it to allow the introduction of fixings 35, including plastics, screws, nails and the like to be inserted through the lid 8 and into corresponding receiving holes 36 locating in sides walls 4 of the storage device 1. Such a feature will provide added rigidity to the side walls 4. As shown in Fig. 15, molded posts 38 may also project from the lid 8, the base 3 or side wall 4 to provide a male/female catch point or linking of the lid/base and side wall. This feature is particularly useful if using corrugated plastic or cardboard sides. Further rigidity may also be provided by a plurality of offset channels 40 in the lid 8, as shown in Fig. 16. Still further rigidity may be provided using a wave or undulating link 42 between the lid 8 and sides 4, as shown in Fig. 17a and 17b.

In an alternative embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 18, the side walls 4 and lid 8 may comprise undulations 46 to thereby impart a corrugated look to the storage device 1.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims (3)

A storage device comprising: a container having a base and a side wall pivotably joined to the base so that the container is movable between a collapsed configuration in which the container is substantially flat, and an expanded configuration defining a top opening and a side opening to an interior of the container, and a lid, and locking means for securing the lid to the sidewall so as to close the top opening of the container, whereby the locking means comprises a locking tooth formed on one of the lid and the sidewall, and a locking slot formed in the other of the lid and the sidewall, the locking tooth adapted for secure engagement in the locking slot. A storage device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a top wall and a downwardly projecting skirt, and one of the locking tooth and the slot is on the skirt and the other of the locking tooth and the slot is on the side wali, optionally the base and sidewall of the container are adapted to be contained within the lid of the storage device when in the collapsed substantially flat configuration, optionally the storage device comprises a closable flap or door which provides access to the interior of the container through the side opening when the container is in the expanded configuration, optionally the lid of the storage device comprises side connectors for securing the lid of the storage device to a lid of an adjacent storage device, optionally the storage device further comprises a tray or drawer for inserting on the base of the storage device to form a type of aeration chamber when the container is in the expanded configuration. A storage device as claimed in

1. Claim 1 or

2. Claim 2, wherein one or more of the base, side wall and the lid comprises an array of protrusions, optionally each protrusion comprises at least one venting aperture whereby the location and orientation of the venting apertures allows the passage of air but prevents the direct fall of dust from entering the storage device, optionally the base of the container comprises connection holes for receiving protrusions extending from a lid of another container to facilitate secure stacking. A storage system comprising a plurality of storage devices configured according to any one of Claims 1 to

3. A storage device substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.