U.S. patent application number 10/325307 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-24 for cargo storage and organization apparatus.
Invention is credited to Kutun, Lawrence B..
Application Number | 20040118854 10/325307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32593730 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040118854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kutun, Lawrence B. |
June 24, 2004 |
Cargo storage and organization apparatus
Abstract
There is disclosed an apparatus for storing and organizing
articles within a defined space. The apparatus is collapsible and
includes exterior panels, a base panel and a panel opposite the
base. The interior of the apparatus is composed of a plurality of
panels that are arranged to form compartments of varying sizes.
Inventors: |
Kutun, Lawrence B.;
(Chesterfield, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSINELLI SHALTON & WELTE, P.C.
700 W. 47TH STREET
SUITE 1000
KANSAS CITY
MO
64112-1802
US
|
Family ID: |
32593730 |
Appl. No.: |
10/325307 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 11/1873 20130101;
B65D 5/326 20130101; B65D 5/48038 20130101; B65D 11/1846 20130101;
B65D 25/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/507 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/24; B65D
025/04; B65D 085/00 |
Claims
1. An article storage device, comprising: (a) an external frame
comprising a plurality of first panels arranged to define an
internal area; (b) at least one second panel extending between at
least two of said first panels dividing said internal area into at
least two compartments; (c) said at least one second panel
configured for receiving at least one third panel in at least a
removable engagement, to define at least one additional
compartment; (d) said plurality of first panels and said at least
one second panel configured for collapsing into a substantially
flat orientation.
2. The article storage device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
(a) at least one third panel configured for connecting to said at
least one second panel in a removable engagement.
3. The article storage device of claim 2, wherein said at least one
second panel includes a plurality of said second panels, said at
least one third panel includes a plurality of said third panels,
said plurality of said second and third panels configured for
connection to each other to define a plurality of compartments.
4. The article storage device of claim 1, wherein said internal
area is rectangular.
5. The article storage device of claim 4, wherein said plurality of
first panels are integrally connected to define said rectangular
internal area.
6. The article storage device of claim 4, wherein said plurality of
first panels are removably connected to form a rectangular internal
area.
7. The article storage device of claim 1, wherein said at least one
said second panel is configured for connecting to said first
panels.
8. The article storage device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
a collapsible insert configured for fitting into one of said at
least two compartments.
9. An article storage device, comprising: (a) a plurality of first
panels oppositely disposed with respect to each other; (b) at least
two second panels intermediate said oppositely disposed first
panels, said second panels oriented with respect to said first
panels to define compartments in the area between said oppositely
disposed first panels; (c) said first panels configured for
movement between compressed and expanded orientations; and (d) said
plurality of first panels and said at least one second panel
configured for collapsing into a substantially flat
orientation.
10. The article storage device of claim 9, wherein said first
panels are composed of a spring like material.
11. The article storage device of claim 9, wherein said second
panels connected to first panels and substantially perpendicular to
said first panels.
12. The article storage device of claim 10, wherein said second
panels include retaining portions, each of said retaining portions
configured for maintaining engagement with at least one other
retaining portion when two said retaining portions are brought into
contact with each other.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage devices,
such as cargo organizer for vehicles and the like, and in
particular to a collapsible storage device.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] A common problem experienced by the drivers of automobiles
is transportation of various articles and parcels. Typically, these
objects move during transportation, which can result in damage to
the various articles. Items such as glass or plastic may move and
when filled with liquid can break and cause spillage within the
vehicle's compartment. The various articles transported in a
vehicle differ in shape and size, causing permanent organizer
structures to be of limited use. The compartments must be able to
be easily manipulated to accommodate various shapes and sizes of
articles transported.
[0003] Another problem typically associated with transportation of
grocery items, is the temperature range of the items. Items
transported range from ice cream to hot rotisserie chicken, when
these items are transported together they cause the ice cream to
melt and the chicken to cool.
[0004] Some vehicular cargo organizers deal with the problem of
transportation of various articles, but are limited in their
collapsibility. Organizers are often bulky and take up too much
room when not in use. When the full capacity of the trunk is needed
to haul larger articles, the organizer must be removed from the
vehicle, thus limiting its ease of use.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention includes an apparatus for cargo
storage and organization, allowing for the placement and
positioning of cargo in various compartments of the apparatus and
is collapsible into a substantially flat shape, such that when not
in use occupies minimal storage space within the cargo area of a
vehicle. The apparatus is configurable into various shapes and
sizes of compartments, so as to accommodate different types of
cargo during each specific trip. Each compartment is preferably
insulated to insure a constant temperature for various articles.
Additionally, the collapsibility into this substantially flat shape
allows for the stacking of multiple substantially flat
apparatus.
[0006] In one embodiment, the invention is designed to organize and
optimize the space in the trunk of a vehicle. It forms
compartments, which allow for transportation of a variety of items
without risk of the items moving during transportation. The
apparatus (organizer) is completely collapsible, which gives an
individual full access to the trunk space without removing the
apparatus (organizer).
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an
article storage device with an external frame having a plurality of
first panels arranged to define an internal area, and at least one
second panel extending between at least two of the first panels
dividing the internal area into at least two compartments. The at
least one second panel is configured for receiving at least one
third panel in at least a removable engagement, to define at least
one additional compartment. The plurality of first panels and the
at least one second panel are configured for collapsing into a
substantially flat orientation.
[0008] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an
article storage device with oppositely disposed first panels, and
at least two second panels intermediate of the first panels. The at
least two second panels are arranged substantially perpendicular to
the first panels to define an internal area and at least one
compartment. The first panels are configured for expanding and
compressing, in order that the storage device be collapsible into a
substantially flat orientation. The first panels can have spring
like behavior such that when in the extended position the device is
self-supporting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like
numerals and characters indicate like or corresponding components.
In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus of an
embodiment of the invention in an exemplary use in an automobile
trunk;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in an
expanded position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 upon its
being collapsed;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in a
collapsed position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the
invention;
[0016] FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded views of a third embodiment of
the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 9-11 are perspective views of panels for the
embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0018] FIGS. 12-14 are perspective views of fourth embodiments of
the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the fifth
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a top view of a portion of the fifth embodiment
of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a top view of a portion of the fifth embodiment
of the invention upon its being collapsed; and
[0023] FIG. 19 is a top view of a portion of the fifth embodiment
of the invention in a collapsed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 20 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 20 is shown as a storage
device and/or cargo organizer, for example, in a vehicle trunk
22.
[0025] Turning also to FIG. 2, the apparatus 20 includes a base
member 23 and a cover member 24 that enclose an area 25 within a
frame 26. The frame 26 is formed of multiple panels 26a-26d,
typically folded to define each panel 26a-26d, with two end panels
26a, 26d, for example, joined by fasteners (hook and loop
fasteners, zippers, snaps, etc.), adhesives and the like, so as to
be moveable (when collapsing is desired as detailed below). The
area 25 within the frame 26 is divided into compartments 28 by
first (longitudinal) 30 and second (transverse) 31 panels. The base
member 23 and cover member 24 can be joined to the frame 26 by
temporary attachments such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps,
zippers, etc.
[0026] Continuing with FIGS. 3-5, the apparatus 20 is such that the
first or longitudinal panels 30 are removable from the frame 26,
while the second or transverse panels 31 are movably mounted to the
frame 26. The second or transverse panels 31 typically include
notches 32 for engaging correspondingly configured notches (not
shown) in the first or longitudinal panels 30 in a releasable or
temporary engagement when the apparatus 20 is fully assembled, with
the frame 26 stabilized by the inclusion of these first or
longitudinal panels 30.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows the frame 26 with the first or longitudinal
panels 30 having been removed. The frame 26 can now be collapsed,
as shown in FIG. 4, as the panels 31 are connected to panels 26a,
26c of the frame 26, so as to b& moveable (foldable or
collapsible) with the frame 26 to the collapsed orientation, shown
in FIG. 5, where the frame 26 is substantially flat.
[0028] Similarly, the first or longitudinal panels 30 could be
movably mounted in the frame 26 while the second or transverse
panels 31 could be removable from the frame 26. All other structure
and functioning of the frame 26 would be similar to that described
above.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment apparatus 50 where the
panels 26a'-26d' forming the frame 26' are severable from each
other, typically joined to each other by fasteners, such as hook
and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, or the like. All other aspects
of this apparatus 50 are similar, to that of the apparatus 20,
detailed above.
[0030] FIGS. 7-11 show another alternate embodiment apparatus 100,
similar in all aspects to apparatus 20 disclosed above except where
indicated. Structures similar to those described for the apparatus
have been increased by "100". Here, for example, the second or
transverse panels 131a, 131b are of different sizes and movably
mounted to the frame 126 (formed of panels 126a-126d). The
longitudinal panels 130 are similar to longitudinal panels 30, in
that they are removable from the frame 126. The transverse panels
131a, 131b include notches 32 (detailed above) or other mating type
connectors, while the longitudinal panels 130 include
correspondingly configured notches 32n or other mating type
connectors (that receive the corresponding connectors on the
transverse panels 131a and 131b), allowing engagement of the
respective panels (as detailed above). There is an additional
intracompartmental panel 132 for longitudinal or transverse
placement in a compartment to subdivide it. This intracompartmental
panel 132 is typically attached to the respective longitudinal
panels 130 (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) or transverse panels 131a,
131b by attachments such as hook and loop type fasteners, zippers,
snaps, etc.
[0031] In alternate embodiments of the apparatus 100, the functions
of the longitudinal panels 130 and transverse panels 131a, 131b can
be reversed, similar to that detailed for the apparatus 20
above.
[0032] The various apparatus 20, 50, 100 can be stacked on top of
each other as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Here, for example, in FIG.
12, two apparatus 20 are stacked, as base members 23 are attached
to the apparatus 20 (as detailed above) and a cover member 24 is
attached, for example, by an adhesive that allows for its removal
and resealing to the frame 26, such that the cover member 24 can be
peeled back and reclosed when desired.
[0033] FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12, except that the base member
23" includes a peripheral groove 140, as shown in FIG. 14. This
groove 140 is such that the frame 26 sits securely in this groove
140, so as to be secure in the base member 23".
[0034] FIGS. 15-19 detail another embodiment apparatus 200, that
includes a first apparatus 202, similar to apparatus 20, 50 and 100
(as detailed above), having a compartment 204. This compartment 204
is dimensioned to receive a second apparatus 206, having
compartments 208.
[0035] The second apparatus 206 is formed of a frame 226 of
lengthwise panels 228 and widthwise panels 229 that define the
compartments 208 when in a fully extended position (FIG. 15-16).
The lengthwise panels 228 are typically of a material that is
elastic in its behavior. For example these panels 228 may be
spring-like in their behavior and biased in a direction to expand
the second apparatus 206 such that it is self supporting and free
standing (while in the expanded position) as well as suitable for
placement in the first apparatus 202. This elastic material also
allows the second apparatus 206 to be compressed, for example in an
accordion-like manner (FIG. 18) to a fully compressed state (FIG.
19). In this fully compressed state, the fastening portions 234 on
the widthwise panels 229 engage correspondingly aligned, fastening
portions 235 on the oppositely disposed widthwise panels 229 to
hold the apparatus 206 in this fully compressed state. This
material may be vinyl or the like, reinforced with leaf springs and
the like.
[0036] Alternately, the lengthwise panels 228 may be of a material
(for example, vinyl, netting and the like) that is not biased, yet
allows the second apparatus 206 to be moved to the fully extended
position, such that the apparatus 206 is supported upon placement
in the first apparatus 202.
[0037] These fastening portions 234, 235 are such that they adhere
or are joined to each other when the second apparatus 206 is in the
compressed position. These fastening portions may be of hook and
loop fasteners, snaps, locks and other adhesives, so as to provide
this retention when the apparatus 206 is in the compressed
position.
[0038] In all of the apparatus 20, 50, 100 and 200 detailed above,
the panels 26a-26d, 26a'-26d', 30, 31, 126a-126d, 130, 131a, 131b,
132, 229, may be made of materials such as plastics, elastomers,
corrugated cardboard, lightweight foam, fiberglass, rubber
material, wood material, metal, and/or any combination thereof This
material is typically waterproof or water-resistant and may be
insulated. Base members 23, 23" and cover members 24, are typically
of the materials listed above, and could also be of vinyl, cloth,
nylon, and/or any combination thereof. Similarly, these materials,
as well as the materials for the panels 228 (above), may be
waterproof or water-resistant and may be insulated.
[0039] There has been shown and described preferred storage
apparatus which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought
therefor. It is apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that
many changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and
applications for the storage apparatus device are possible, and
also such changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and
applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is
limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *