WO2011070317A1

WO2011070317A1 - Improvements in storage devices

Info

Publication number: WO2011070317A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/002238
Authority: WO
Inventors: George Constaninou; Terry Godrick Mcmillan
Original assignee: My Sea Safe Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-12-07
Filing date: 2010-12-06
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: GB2475980A; GB201020658D0; GB0921431D0; GB2475927B; GB2475927A; GB2475980B

Abstract

A lockable storage device for use with a sun lounger or the like comprises a container (1) for storing valuables or the like, a strap (8) adapted to be looped around a part (37) of a sun lounger or the like, a rigid frame (11 ) secured to the container (1) and defining part of a opening to the container, a clamping part (16) engageable with the ends of the strap (8) and the frame (11) to hold the strap (8) in position on the part (37), an auxiliary frame part (21) secured to the container and engageable with the frame (11) to close the container (1) and means (14, 31, 32) for releasably locking the auxiliary frame part (21) in engagement with the frame (11). The strap (8) is preferably releasably secured to the frame (11) so that the lockable storage device is removeable from the part (37) of a sun lounger or the like.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN STORAGE DEVICES

This invention relates to storage devices and is particularly concerned with a lockable storage device for use with a sunbed, sun lounger, recliner or deck chair or the like (hereinafter referred to generically as a "sun lounger").

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a lockable storage device for use with a sun lounger or the like, said device comprising a container for storing valuables or the like, a strap adapted to be looped around a part of a sun lounger or the like, a rigid frame secured to the container and defining part of an opening to the container, a clamping part having a plurality of pegs engageable in a corresponding number of holes in the frame and at or adjacent to both ends of the strap, means for securing the pegs in position on the frame, means for engaging with the frame to close the container and means for releasably locking the engaging means in engagement with the frame.

Preferably, the container takes the form of a bag made of a flexible material. The strap may be made of the same material as the bag. In a preferred embodiment, the bag and strap are formed as an integral component.

The pegs may be screw-threaded in which case the means for securing the pegs in position preferably comprise nuts which are engageable with the screw-threads on the pegs. As an alternative, the means for securing the pegs in position on the frame may comprise tapered protrusions on the pegs which engage with the frame once the pegs have been pushed through the holes in the strap and the frame.

Preferably, the means for engaging with the frame to close the container comprise an auxiliary frame part defining the remainder of the opening of the container.

Preferably, the container comprises a front face, a bottom, a rear face and two sides and the rear face is secured to the frame while the front face is secured to the auxiliary frame part which is engageable with the frame. The releasable locking means may comprise an apertured lug projecting from the frame and an opening in the auxiliary frame part through which the lug can project when the auxiliary frame part is engaged with the frame, the aperture in the lug being adapted to receive the hasp of a padlock.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame and the auxiliary frame part are substantially U-shaped, the upper end of the front face of the container being secured to the web of the auxiliary frame part, the upper end of the rear face of the container being secured to the web of the U-shaped frame and the sides of the container being secured to the limbs of the U-shaped frame and auxiliary frame part.

The auxiliary frame part is preferably pivotally connected to the frame.

The strap may be reinforced by a metal, preferably steel, cable. The cable may be threaded through holes in the trap or, as an alternative, the cable may be embedded in the material of the strap.

Another aspect of the invention provides a lockable storage device for use with a sun lounger or the like, said device comprising a container for storing valuables or the like, a strap secured at one end to the container, said strap being adapted to be looped around a part of a sun lounger or the like, and means for releasably locking the other end of the strap to the container, wherein the releasable locking means comprise a rigid frame to which the container and said one end of the strap are secured, the frame defining part of an opening of the container; a clamping part having at least one peg passing through aligned holes in the frame and said one end of the strap, the other end of the strap having at least one hole through which the peg is designed to pass when the strap is looped around a part of a sun lounger or the like; an auxiliary frame part defining the remainder of the opening of the container and secured to said container, the auxiliary frame part being engageable with the frame and having an aperture through which the peg extends when the auxiliary frame part is engaged with the frame and means for engaging with said peg to hold the auxiliary frame part in engagement with the frame, the container being closed by the engagement of the auxiliary frame part with the frame and the said other end of the strap being held in position on the peg by the engagement of the auxiliary frame part with the frame.

The means for engaging with the peg desirably comprise a padlock having a hasp which is adapted to be passed through a bore in the peg to releasably lock the auxiliary frame part to the frame. The padlock preferably takes the form of a combination padlock.

Preferably, the container takes the form of a bag made of a flexible material. Again, the strap may be made of the same material as the bag and, in a preferred embodiment, the bag and strap are formed as an integral component.

The container desirably comprises a front face, a bottom, a rear face and two sides, the rear face being secured to the frame while the front face is secured to the auxiliary frame part.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame and the auxiliary frame part are substantially U-shaped, the upper end of the front face of the container being secured to the web of the auxiliary frame part and the upper end of the rear face of the container being secured to the web of the U-shaped frame.

Preferably, parts of the sides of the container are secured to the limbs of the U- shaped frame and the auxiliary frame part.

According to an alternative embodiment, the container takes the form of a strip of material and the frame and the auxiliary frame part are substantially U-shaped, one end of the container strip being secured to the web of the auxiliary frame part to form a front face of the container and another part of the container strip being secured to the web of the frame to form a rear face of the container, the sides of the container strip being secured to the limbs of the frame and the auxiliary frame part, said limbs forming the sides of the container when the auxiliary frame part is engaged with the frame.

The auxiliary frame part is preferably pivotally connected to the frame. A major advantage of the present invention is that the storage device can readily be removed from a sun lounger or the like once the container has been unlocked.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a storage device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the device shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the device shown in Figs. 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in Figs. 1 to 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the device shown in Figs. 1 to 5 secured to a frame member of a sun lounger or the like.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a storage device according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the other side of the strap of the storage device shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a front view of a third embodiment of a storage device according to the invention;

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the storage device shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the storage device shown in Figs. 9 and 10;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device according to the invention showing the front of a container in the closed position;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the storage device shown in Fig. 2 but showing the container in the open position;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the rear of the storage device shown in Figs. 12 and 13; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a modified form of the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 to 14; and

Fig. 16 is a bottom view of the storage device shown in Fig. 15.

In the drawings, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.

Reference will first be made to Figs. 1 to 6 of the drawings in which the storage device according to the invention comprises a web of fabric material which is folded adjacent to one end to form the front face 1 and rear face 2 of a container. A strip 3 of securing material having a plurality of tongues 5 is secured to the rear face 2 of the container at a location which forms an opening for the container. A similar strip 4 of securing material having a plurality of tongues 6 is secured to the front face 1 of the container at the end of the fabric web. A series of holes (preferably three) 7 is provided in the fabric web adjacent to and above the location at which the strip having the tongues 5 is secured to the fabric web. The remainder of the web forms a strap 8 in which several rows of holes 9 are provided adjacent to the other end of the web. The number of holes 9 in each row is equal to the number of holes 7 in the fabric web.

A main frame part or back body 11 is secured to the rear face 2 of the container by means of the tongues 5. The back body 1 1 is substantially U-shaped and is provided with a series of slots 12 through each of which a respective tongue 5 is passed, the end of each tongue then being secured to the rear face 2 by sewing or by a suitable adhesive. The back body 11 is also provided with a series of holes 13 corresponding in number with the holes 7 in the fabric web, the holes 7 and 13 being aligned with one another when the back body 1 1 is secured to the rear face 2 of the container. A lug 14 having a through-going bore 15 projects from the back body 11 in a direction facing away from the rear face 2.

A back or clamping plate 16 having a series of pegs 17 corresponding in number to the holes 7 is adapted to be releasably secured to the back body 11 by passing the pegs 17 through one row of holes 9 in the fabric web, through the holes 7 and through the holes 13 in the back body 11. The pegs are releasably secured in position to hold the clamping plate 16 to the back body 11 in a releasable manner.

An auxiliary frame part or front body 21 is secured to the front face 1 of the container by means of the tongues 6. The front body 21 corresponds in shape to the back body 11 and is provided with a series of slots 22 through each of which a respective tongue 6 is passed, the end of each tongue then being secured to the front face 1 by sewing or by a suitable adhesive. The front body 21 is further provided at the end of each limb with a bore 23 by means of which the front body 21 is pivotally fastened to the back body 11 by screws 19 which pass through the bores 23 and engage in screw-threaded bores 18 at the ends of the limbs of the back body 11.

The front body 21 further has a rim in which two semi-circular depressions 24 are formed. A padlock clamping plate 26 is secured to the front body 21 by screws 28 which pass through bores 25 in the front body 21 and engage in screw-threaded bores (not shown) in the padlock clamping plate 26. The plate 26 has a rim provided with two semi- circular depressions 27 which are aligned with the depressions 24 in the front body 21. The depressions 24 and 27 are adapted to accommodate the hasp 32 of a padlock 31 part of the body of the padlock being housed in a chamber formed between the front body 21 and the padlock clamping plate 26. The padlock is preferably of the combination type as shown in the drawings but could be key-operated if desired. When a combination type padlock is utilised, it is desirable to provide the padlock with an override key unlock function to allow for forgotten codes.

The container is completed by side panels 33 and 34 which are secured to the edges of the front and rear faces 1 and 2. An eyelet 35 provided with an eyelet ring 36 may be provided at or adjacent to the top of each side panel.

In use, the clamping plate 16 is removed from the back body 1 and the strap 8 is looped over a frame member 37 of a sun lounger or the like as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The effective length of the strap can be adjusted by a user according to choice but will normally be so arranged that the bottom of the container is clear of the ground. This can be achieved by appropriate selection of the rows of holes 9 in which the pegs 17 are inserted. The pegs 17 are then pushed through the aligned holes 7 and 13 in the rear face 2 and back body 11 respectively. At this stage, the front body 21 is pivoted away from the back body 11. A user can then deposit valuables and other articles such as sun glasses and sun tan lotion in the container. The contents of the container can be secured against theft by selecting the appropriate combination of the padlock 31 to release the hasp 32 and then by pivoting the front body 21 towards the back body 11. The rim of the front body 21 has a recessed region 29 which is adapted to receive the lug 14 projecting from the back body 11. When the front body 21 is fully engaged with the back body 1 1 , the aperture 15 in the lug 14 is in alignment with one of the depressions 24 and 27 in the front body 21 and padlock clamping plate 26 respectively and the hasp 32 can be re-engaged in the padlock 31 , part of the hasp passing through the aperture 15 to lock the front body 21 to the back body 11.

It will be seen that the device according to the invention provides a quick and convenient manner of storing articles securely on a sun lounger or the like.

The storage device shown in Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings is similar to the one shown in Figs. 1 to 6 except that the strap 81 is formed as a separate component from the container and is formed with cut-outs or scallops 82 to give the strap a more pleasing appearance. Further, the strap is re-inforced by a cable 84 which is threaded through holes 83 in the strap 81 as shown in Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings. The cable is preferably made of steel so that, when the strap is looped over a part of a sun lounger or the like and secured in place, the cable will prevent the strap from being cut and thus will prevent theft of the storage device.

As shown in Fig. 8, most of the cable 84 is located inside the strap 81 when the strap is looped over a part of a sun lounger or the like but small sections of the cable at the centre and ends of the strap are located on the outside of the strap by being threaded through the holes 83 in the strap. The cable 84 is also threaded through holes in the other end of the strap which is clamped between the main frame part 11 and the clamping plate 16 as shown in Fig. 8.

This embodiment is otherwise similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6 of the drawings.

Turning now to Figs. 9 to 11 of the drawings, this embodiment of a storage device according to the invention has a somewhat simpler construction than the previous embodiments. In this case, the storage device comprises a web of plastics material which is folded in its central region to form a front face 101 and a rear face 102 of a container. A main frame part or back body 111 is secured to most of the edges of the rear face 102 of the container by a suitable adhesive. An auxiliary frame part or front body 121 is secured to most of the edges of the front face 101 of the container by a suitable adhesive. The edges of the web which are not secured to the frame parts 111 and 121 are secured to each other, again, by means of a suitable adhesive.

In this embodiment, there is a strap 108 which is made separately from the container and the strap is provided with a series of holes 107 at one end and several rows of holes 109 at or adjacent to the other end. The number of holes 109 in each row is equal to the number of holes 107. The main frame part 111 is substantially U-shaped and the web of the U is provided with a series of holes 113 corresponding in number and location to the holes 107 in the strap 108. The strap is also provided with a pair of cutout regions or scallops 1 0 to enhance the appearance of the strap.

In use, the strap 108 is looped over a part of a sun lounger or the like and one row of the holes 109 is aligned with the holes 107. A series of pegs 117 secured to a back or clamping plate 116 are then pushed through the aligned holes 107 and 109 in the strap 108 and through the holes 113 in the main frame part 111 so that both ends of the strap 108 are sandwiched between the main frame part 111 and the clamping plate 116. The pegs 117 are secured in position by screws or nuts (not shown). The row of holes 109 through which the pegs 117 are passed is selected such that, when the strap 108 is looped over a part of a sun lounger or the like, the bottom of the container will be clear of the ground when the main frame part 111 is engaged with the pegs 117.

The auxiliary frame part 121 is provided in its front face with a depression 124 which is adapted to receive part of a padlock 131 and the padlock is held in position by a clamping plate 126 which is secured in position on the auxiliary frame part 121 by screws 128. The auxiliary frame part 121 is pivotally connected to the main frame part 111 at the ends of the limbs by pivot pins 133 and the main frame part 111 is provided with a lug 114 having a through-going bore 115 which is adapted to be aligned with the padlock 131 when the auxiliary frame part 121 is pivoted to engage with the main frame part 111 and close the container. A hasp 132 of the padlock 131 can then be passed through the bore 115 in the lug 114 and engaged in the padlock to lock the frame parts 111 and 121 together. As with the previous embodiments, the padlock is preferably of the combination type as shown in Figs. 9 and 11 of the drawings but could be key operated if desired. When a combination type padlock is utilised, it is desirable to provide the padlock with an override key unlock function to allow for forgotten codes.

As shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings, the bottom of the container is desirably provided with a series of drainage holes 134 to allow any moisture that may enter the container to drain from it.

The embodiment of the storage device shown in Figs. 12 to 14 of the drawings comprises a web of preferably plastics material which is folded to form a front face 201 and a rear face 202 of a container. A narrowed strip extends from the end of the web forming the rear face 202 to form a strap 208 in which a series of holes 209 are provided.

A substantially U-shaped main frame part 211 is secured by a suitable adhesive to the edges of the rear face 202 of the container with the web of the U-shaped frame 211 extending across the web of the container material to leave the strap projecting from the frame as shown in the drawings. A clamping plate 216 having a plurality of pegs 217 projecting from it is engaged with the rear face 202 and frame 211 in such a manner that the pegs 217 pass through aligned holes in the rear face 202 and frame 211. The pegs are secured in place by nuts (not shown) which engage with screw-threaded portions of the pegs 217. Alternatively, the pegs may be provided with tapered protrusions which allow the pegs to be pushed through the holes in the rear face 202 and frame 211 and which then snap in place to hold the clamping plate 216 to the frame 211 with the rear face 202 sandwiched between them. A further central peg 214 also extends from the clamping plate 216 and passes through further aligned bores in the rear face 202 and frame 211. The peg 214 is provided with a transverse bore 215 for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

A substantially U-shaped auxiliary frame part 221 is secured by a suitable adhesive to the edges and end of the front face 201 of the container with the web of the U-shaped frame part 221 being secured to the end of the web of container material. As shown in Figs. 12 to 14 of the drawings, the frame 211 and the frame part 221 do not extend to the bottom of the container and the edges of the front faces 201 and 202 are secured to each other in this region of the container.

The main frame 211 and the auxiliary frame part 221 are adapted to engage each other to form a closure for the container. They are pivotally connected to each other at the ends of the limbs by pivot pins 233. The web of the auxiliary frame part 221 is provided with a bore 223 which is adapted to receive the central peg 214 whereby the peg passes through the auxiliary frame part 221 and projects from it when the auxiliary frame part 221 is engaged with the frame 211. The transverse bore 215 in the peg 214 is adapted to receive the hasp 232 of a padlock 231.

In use, the strap 208 is looped over a part of a sun lounger or the like and, with the container in the open position, the peg 214 is pushed through one of the holes 209 in the strap 208 as shown in Fig. 13 of the drawings. The container can then be closed by pivoting the auxiliary frame part 221 towards the main frame 211 until they are in engagement at which point the peg 214 projects from the auxiliary frame part 221 as shown in Fig. 12 of the drawings. The auxiliary frame part 221 can then be secured in place by the padlock 231 with the hasp 232 of the padlock engaged in the bore 215 in the peg 21 . Clearly, any valuables or other items will be placed in the container before it is closed.

It will be seen that this embodiment can be more readily fitted and detached from a part of a sun lounger than the embodiment previously described.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 15 and 16 of the drawings is similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 14 except that eyelets 210 have been fitted around the holes 209 in the strap 208. Further, the front and rear faces 201 and 202 of the container are longer and the edges of these faces are secured, for example by means of a suitable adhesive, to side panels 234 (only one shown). Further, the bottom of the container is provided with a series of holes 235 to allow moisture to drain from the container.

If desired, the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 to 14 may be provided with eyelets 210 and holes 235.

The invention is not restricted to the above-described embodiments but variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the straps of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 6, Figs. 9 to 11 , Figs. 12 to 14 and Figs. 15 and 16 could be reinforced by a, preferably steel, cable similar to the one shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

While it is preferred to make the container and the strap from a fabric material, this is not essential and other materials may be utilised if desired. The container and the strap may also be made of different materials although the material from which the strap is made should desirably be flexible. When a fabric material is utilised, it is preferable to make this cut resistant to avoid the possibility of the container being slashed or cut open. The side panels of the container are desirably made from the same material as the front and rear faces but again this is not essential and the side panels could be made of a different material. In particular, the side panels could be made of a rigid material such as plastics or from an elasticated material. If made of a fabric material, the side panels are preferably secured to the edges of the front and rear faces of the container by sewing. However, it is also possible to secure the side panels to the edges of the front and rear faces of the container by means of a suitable adhesive.

The strips of securing material having the tongues 5 and 6 are preferably made of a fabric so that the tongues 5 and 6 can be sewn to the rear and front faces 2 and 1 respectively but this is not essential and the strips could be made of other materials and the tongues could be secured to the rear and front faces of the container by other means such as a suitable adhesive.

Claims

1. A lockable storage device for use with a sun lounger or the like, said device comprising a container for storing valuables or the like, a strap adapted to be looped around a part of a sun lounger or the like, a rigid frame secured to the container and defining part of an opening to the container, a clamping part having a plurality of pegs engageable in a corresponding number of holes in the frame and in the strap at or adjacent to both ends thereof, means for securing the pegs in position on the frame, means for engaging with the frame to close the container and means for releasably locking the engaging means in engagement with the frame.

2. A lockable storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the means for engaging with the frame to close the container comprise an auxiliary frame part defining the remainder of the opening of the container.

3. A lockable storage device according to claim 2, wherein the releasable locking means comprise an apertured lug projecting from the frame and an opening in the auxiliary frame part through which the lug can project when the auxiliary frame part is engaged with the frame, the aperture in the lug being adapted to receive the hasp of a padlock.

4. A lockable storage device for use with a sun lounger or the like, said device comprising a container for storing valuables or the like, a strap secured at one end to the container, said strap being adapted to be looped around a part of a sun lounger or the like, and means for releasably locking the other end of the strap to the container, wherein the releasable locking means comprise a rigid frame to which the container and said one end of the strap are secured, the frame defining part of an opening of the container, a clamping part having at least one peg passing through aligned holes in the frame and said one end of the strap, the other end of the strap having at least one hole through which the peg is designed to pass when the strap is looped around a part of a sun lounger or the like; an auxiliary frame part defining the remainder of the opening of the container and secured to said container, the auxiliary frame part being engageable with the frame and having an aperture through which the peg extends when the auxiliary frame part is engaged with the frame and means for engaging with said peg to releasably hold the auxiliary frame part in engagement with the frame, the container being closed by the engagement of the auxiliary frame part with the frame and the said other end of the strap being held in position on the peg by the engagement of the auxiliary frame part with the frame.

5. A lockable storage device according to claim 4, wherein the means for engaging with the peg comprise a padlock having a hasp which is adapted to be passed through a bore in the peg to releasably lock the auxiliary frame part to the frame.

6. A lockable storage device according to claim 3 or claim 5, wherein the padlock is a combination padlock.

7. A lockable storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the auxiliary frame part is pivotally connected to the frame.

8. A lockable storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the container comprises a front face, a bottom, a rear face and two sides and wherein the rear face is secured to the frame and the front face is secured to the auxiliary frame part which is engageable with the frame.

9. A lockable storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the frame and the auxiliary frame part are substantially U-shaped, the upper end of the front face of the container being secured to the web of the auxiliary frame part, the upper end of the rear face of the container being secured to the web of the U-shaped frame.

10. A lockable storage device according to claim 9, wherein parts of the sides of the container are secured to the limbs of the U-shaped frame and the auxiliary frame part.

11. A lockable storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the container takes the form of a strip of material and the frame and the auxiliary frame part are substantially U-shaped, one end of the container strip being secured to the web of the auxiliary frame part to form a front face of the container and another part of the container strip being secured to the web of the frame to form a rear face of the container, the sides of the container strip being secured to the limbs of the frame and the auxiliary frame part, said limbs forming the sides of the container when the auxiliary frame part is engaged with the frame.

12. A lockable storage device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pegs are provided with screw-threads and wherein the pegs are held in position on the frame by engaging nuts or screws with the screw-threads on or in the pegs.

13. A lockable storage device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bag is made of a flexible material.

14. A lockable storage device according to claim 13, wherein the strap is made from the same material as the bag and, preferably, is integral with the bag.

15. A lockable storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap is reinforced by a metal cable which is preferably threaded through holes in the strap.