COLLAPSIBLE STORAGE CONTAINER STANDS

Abstract

Collapsible storage container stands are shown and disclosed. In some embodiments, the stand includes first and second planar frames pivotably attached to each other and each defining an opening sized to receive a storage container. The stand additionally includes first and second legs pivotably attached to the first frame, and third and fourth legs pivotably attached to the second frame. The stand further includes a first leg brace attached to the first leg, and a second leg brace attached to the fourth leg. The first and fourth legs are pivotable to place the first and second leg braces on first and second roof portions of a roof. In some embodiments, the stand additionally includes first, second, third, and fourth support arms pivotably attached to the first and second frames.

Description

BACKGROUND

In the realm of construction, maintenance, and other industries, roof work often presents unique challenges and logistical complications. The need for efficient, secure, and adaptable solutions for managing equipment, tools, and containers on sloped or angled roofs has long been recognized. Traditional methods of storage and access frequently prove inadequate, leading to inefficiencies, safety concerns, and limitations in the types of tasks that can be effectively performed on such surfaces.

Historically, roof equipment management has involved the use of rudimentary storage systems, manual lifting, and makeshift workspaces. These approaches not only risked worker safety but also hindered productivity and posed logistical obstacles. The available equipment, such as ladders, scaffolding, or simple storage containers, often fell short of providing a stable and secure platform for accessing tools and materials on sloped roofs. Additionally, these methods were generally ill-suited for varying roof angles and structures, limiting their applicability across different settings and industries.

What is desired, therefore, is a collapsible storage container stand for roofs that provides a comprehensive solution to address these challenges that could revolutionize the way tools, equipment, and containers are stored and accessed on sloped or angled roofs. Such a stand would provide enhanced safety, efficiency, and convenience in roof tasks across various sectors, making it possible to tackle a wide range of projects with ease and confidence. Through inventive design and engineering, this groundbreaking invention seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional roof equipment management, opening up new possibilities for roof work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of a collapsible storage container stand supported on and/or attached to a roof and carrying an example of a storage container;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the collapsible storage container stand of FIG. 1 showing the stand in a storage position;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the collapsible storage container stand of FIG. 1 showing the stand in an unfolded position;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the collapsible storage container stand of FIG. 1 showing the stand in a deployed position;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the collapsible storage container stand of FIG. 1 showing an example of a leg brace;

FIG. 6 is a partial view of the collapsible storage container stand of FIG. 1 showing an example of a pin received in corresponding holes of a leg and a support arm; and

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the collapsible storage container stand of FIG. 1 showing an example of a pin received in corresponding holes of first and second frames.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The collapsible storage container stand is a versatile solution designed to transform roof equipment management. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a collapsible storage container stand 100 includes first and second planar frames 108 and 110, each crafted from robust, sturdy materials (such as metal). The stand reimagines how toolboxes, containers, and equipment can be securely stored and accessed on roofs. Each frame 110 defines an opening 112 to accommodate containers, toolboxes, and specific equipment or power tools. Although opening 112 is shown to be rectangular-shaped, other examples of stand 100 may alternatively, or additionally, include openings 112 of different shape(s), such as square, circular, oblong, triangular, etc.

Different examples of the stand may include different sized openings 112 to accommodate different parts, equipment, containers, and boxes. Additionally, opening 112 of first frame 108 may be the same or different in size from opening 112 of second frame 110. In some embodiments, a sheet or an insert (not shown) of any appropriate material, such as plastic or metal, is inserted into the opening 112. The sheet that may be customized with specifically sized cutouts that receive specific equipment or tools based on the user's needs and usage.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, each of first and second frames 108 and 110 includes spaced longitudinal members 114 and 116 and spaced traverse members 118 and 120 defining opening 112 therebetween. Longitudinal members 114 and 116 are attached to, or formed with, transverse members 118 and 120. Each of transverse members 118 and 120 including proximal end portions 122 and distal end portions 124. Although first and second frames 108 and 110 are shown to include four spaced members, other examples of the first and second frames may include only three members, two members, or one member (such as when opening 112 is circular). First and second frames 108 and 110 are pivotably attached to each other to allow the first and second frames to pivot about a longitudinal axis L. This, at least in some embodiments, allows the stand 100 to form a working surface S that is level or substantially level to the ground when the first and second frames are open and are 180 degrees apart allowing the stand 100 to be used even at an incline or rooftop (or roof ridge) of a roof R.

Stand 100 additionally includes a plurality of legs 132 that are pivotably attached to first and second frames 108 and 110. The stand may include any suitable number of legs 132. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, legs 132 include a first leg 134, a second leg 136, and third leg 138, and a fourth leg 140. Each of first and second legs 134, 136 includes longitudinal end portions 142 and 144. Additionally, each of third and fourth legs 138, 140 includes longitudinal end portions 146 and 148. End portion 142 of first leg 134 is pivotably attached to distal end portion 124 of transverse member 118 of first frame 108, end portion 142 of second leg 136 is pivotably attached to distal end portion 124 of transverse member 120 of first frame 108, end portion 146 of third leg 138 is pivotably attached to distal end portion 124 of transverse member 118 of second frame 110, and end portion 146 of fourth leg 140 is pivotably attached to distal end portion 124 of transverse member 120 of second frame 110.

The stand further includes a plurality of feet or leg braces 149, such as a first leg brace 150 attached to, or formed with, the first and second legs, and a second leg brace 152 attached to, or formed with, the third and fourth legs. Each of the first and second leg braces contact different roof portions of the roof when the stand is in its deployed position. First and second leg braces 150 and 152 may be any suitable shape(s), such as L-shaped as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Additionally, each of the first and second leg braces includes a plurality of holes 153 to receive fasteners (not shown) to attach the first and second leg braces to the roof portions. Moreover, the first and/or second leg braces may be provided with a grippable bottom layer (not shown) that includes rubberized compounds, high-friction textures, and/or specialized patterns, such as serrations or cleats to provide optimal grip on diverse roof surfaces.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, first leg brace 150 includes opposed longitudinal end portions 154 and 156, and second leg brace 152 includes opposed longitudinal end portions 158 and 160. Additionally, end portion 154 of first leg brace 150 is attached to, or formed with, end portion 144 of first leg 134, and end portion 156 is attached to, or formed with, end portion 144 of second leg 136. Moreover, end portion 158 of second leg brace 152 is attached to, or formed with, end portion 148 of third leg 138, and end portion 160 of second leg brace 152 is attached to, or formed with, end portion 148 of fourth leg 140.

Although first leg brace 150 and second leg brace 152 are shown to be attached, or formed with, the first, second, third, and fourth legs, one or both of those leg braces may alternatively be pivotably or slidably connected to those legs. In some embodiments, an adjustable foot (not shown) may alternatively be attached to each of the first, second, third, and fourth legs. Additionally, the first, second, third, and/or fourth legs may, in some embodiments, be telescopic (e.g., having concentric tubular sections) to provide additional adjustability (not shown).

Stand 100 additionally includes a plurality of support arms 162 that are pivotably attached to first and second frames 108 and 110. The stand may include any suitable number of support arms 162. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, support arms 162 include a first support arm 164, a second support arm 166, a third support arm 168, and a fourth support arm 170. Each of first and second support arms 164, 166 includes longitudinal end portions 172 and 174. End portion 172 of first support arm 164 is pivotably attached to first and second frames 108 and 110 and to end portion 172 of second support arm 166. Additionally, end portion 172 of second support arm 166 is pivotably attached to first and second frames 108 and 110 and to end portion 172 of first support arm 164. Moreover, end portion 174 of first support arm 164 is pivotably attached to end portion 144 of first leg 134, and end portion 174 of second support arm 166 is pivotably attached to end portion 144 of third leg 138.

Each of third and fourth support arms 168, 170 includes longitudinal end portions 176 and 178. End portion 176 of third support arm 168 is pivotably attached to first and second support frames 108 and 110 and to end portion 176 of fourth support arm 170. Additionally, end portion 176 of fourth support arm 170 is pivotably attached to first and second support frames 108 and 110 and to end portion 176 of third support arm 168. Moreover, end portion 178 of the third support arm is pivotably attached to end portion 144 of second leg 136, and end portion 178 of the fourth support arm is pivotably attached to end portion 148 of fourth leg 140. The first, second, third, and/or support arms may, in some embodiments, be telescopic (e.g., having concentric tubular sections) to provide additional adjustability (not shown).

The various pivotable attachments described above may be provided by any suitable structures, such as pins, bolts, washers, nuts, and/or various other structures. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, stand 100 includes bolts 180 and removable pins 182. Bolts 180 are received in corresponding holes of the end portions of the first, second, third, and fourth legs, the end portions of the first, second, third, and fourth support arms, and the corresponding distal and proximal end portions of the first and second frames. Specifically, bolts 180 provide the pivotable attachments between the legs and the distal end portions of first and second frames and the pivotable attachments between the proximal end portions of first and second support frames and the first, second, third, and fourth support arms.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, proximal end portions 122 of transverse members 118 and 120 of the first and second frames include opposed tabs 184 that each extend toward and overlap with another tab 184 of the other frame forming two pairs of overlapping tabs 184. The tabs are shown to be L-shaped but alternatively be any suitable shape(s). Each pair of adjacent tabs 184 of the first and second frames include two sets of corresponding holes 186 and 188. Each pair of holes 186 and corresponding holes of end portions of the support arms receives a bolt 180, while each pair of holes 188 receives a removable pin 182. End support portions 172 of the first and second support arms include corresponding holes that receive the same bolt as one longitudinal end of the first and second frames. Similarly, end support portions 176 of the third and fourth support arms include corresponding holes that receive the same bolt as the other longitudinal end of the first and second frames.

Removable pins 182 are received in corresponding holes 190 of the end portions of the first, second, third, and fourth legs and the end portions of the first, second, third, and fourth support arms. Specifically, removable pins 182 provide the pivotable attachments between the end portions of the legs and the end portions of the first, second, third, and fourth support arms. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, removable pins 182 are in the form of clip pins, such as round clip pins and/or square clip pins. The clips prevent or reduce the potential for accidental removal of the pins. However, other examples of the stand may include other forms of pins 182, such as pins without clips. Other mechanisms may alternatively, or additionally, be employed to provide one or more of the above pivotable attachments, including adjustable hinge plates, sliding tracks, swivel ball joints, detachable clasps, or interlocking hooks.

Removable pins 182 allow a user to move or configure the stand among a plurality of positions, including a folded or storage position (as shown in FIG. 2), an unfolded position (as shown in FIG. 3), and a deployed position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). For example, pins 182 may be removed from the tabs of the first and second frames to allow a user to move the stand from the storage position to the unfolded position. As shown in FIG. 3, the first, second, third, and fourth legs are sized and/or positioned such that those legs are co-planar with the first and second frames in the unfolded position. The user then pivots the first, second, third, and fourth legs, and the corresponding first, second, third, and fourth support arms to line up the corresponding holes and to insert the removable pins (and attach the clips, if any, to the legs and/or support arms), as shown in FIG. 6. Finally, the user inserts the removable pins in the corresponding holes of the tabs of the first and second frame (and attach the clips, if any, to the first and/or second frames) to lock or secure the first and second frames in the deployed position. The above steps may be reversed to move or configured the stand to its storage position. Although the stand is shown to include the removable pins to provide or secure the stand in the deployed position, the stand may alternatively, or additionally, include one or more other locking mechanisms, such as a latch and lock mechanisms, slide and snap locks, cam locks, and the like.

Advantages of this invention are manifold. First, it significantly enhances safety by providing a stable and secure platform for toolboxes and equipment, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on roofs. Its versatility is a standout feature, as its modular design allows for customization to accommodate different toolbox sizes and adapt to various roof angles and structures. This adaptability ensures compatibility with an extensive range of roofs, from residential homes to commercial complexes and industrial facilities.

Moreover, this invention promotes efficiency by offering easy access to tools and equipment, ultimately enhancing productivity during roof tasks. Durability is a critical consideration, with robust materials and construction guaranteeing long-lasting performance in diverse environmental conditions. The invention's adaptability and versatility make it suitable for applications in construction, maintenance, and various other industries where working at elevated heights is necessary.

Other features not explicitly discussed herein include the use of alternative materials for stand 100 to optimize weight, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Customizable dimensions for the frames and its openings, the legs, the leg braces, the support arms can cater to specific container and toolbox sizes and roof angles. Additionally, alternative locking mechanism(s) may be utilized to secure the frames in their various positions for added safety and convenience. Accessory attachment points or trays on the frames are made possible because of the present disclosure and provide an enhanced utility by accommodating additional tools or materials. Ergonomic aspects, such as handles, handle placement, and frame weight distribution, may also be included with the stand to ensure user comfort and efficiency.

Put differently, the collapsible storage container stand is a versatile solution designed to transform equipment management. Comprising two conforming frames crafted from sturdy materials like metal, this invention reimagines how toolboxes, containers, and equipment can be securely stored and accessed on sloped or angled roofs. Each frame features a customizable opening to accommodate containers and tools of varying sizes. The hinged configuration connecting the frames allows for a spacious workspace, adaptable to different roof angles. When not in use, a secure locking mechanism keeps the frames closed. These versatile, safe, and efficient features make this invention suitable for a wide range of roof applications in construction, maintenance, and more. Additional possibilities for material selection, customization, locking mechanisms, accessory attachments, and ergonomic improvements further enhance its utility and comfort for users.

In addition to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that various embodiments and modifications of the invention may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, as interpreted in accordance with principles of prevailing law, including the doctrine of equivalents or any other principle that enlarges the enforceable scope of a claim beyond its literal scope. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element, be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance, requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated. The word “comprise” or a derivative thereof, when used in a claim, is used in a nonexclusive sense that is not intended to exclude the presence of other elements or steps in a claimed structure or method.

Claims

1. A container stand, comprising: first and second planar frames pivotably attached to each other allowing the first and second frames to pivot about a longitudinal axis, the first frame defining a first opening, the second frame defining a second opening, each of the first and second openings being sized to receive a storage container;first and second spaced legs each having first and second longitudinal end portions, the first end portion of the first and second legs being pivotably attached to corresponding end portions of the first frame;a first leg brace attached to the second end portion of the first leg;third and fourth legs each having longitudinally opposed third and fourth end portions, the third end portion of the third and fourth legs being pivotably attached to corresponding end portions of the second frame; anda second leg brace attached to the fourth end portion of the fourth leg, wherein the first and fourth legs are pivotable to place the first and second leg braces on first and second roof portions of a roof.

2. The stand of claim 1, further comprising: first and second support arms having first and second longitudinal end portions, the first end portions of the first and second support arms being pivotably attached to each other and the first and second frames allowing each of the first and second support arm members to pivot about a support arm axis that is parallel to, or co-axial with, the longitudinal axis, the second end portion of the first and second support arms being pivotably attached to the second end portion of the first leg and the fourth end portion of the third leg, respectively;third and fourth support arms having third and fourth longitudinal end portions, the third end portion of the third and fourth support arms being pivotably attached to each other and the first and second frames allowing each of the third and fourth support arm members to pivot about the support arm axis, the fourth end portion of the third and fourth support arms being pivotably attached to the second end portion of the second leg and the fourth end portion of the fourth leg, respectively.

3. The stand of claim 2, wherein the second end portion of the first support arm and the second end portion of the first leg include corresponding first and second holes that receive a first removable pin, wherein the fourth end portion of the third support arm and the second end portion of the second leg include corresponding third and fourth holes that receive a second removable pin, wherein the second end portion of the second support arm and the fourth end portion of the third leg include corresponding fifth and sixth holes that receive a third removable pin, and wherein the fourth end portion of the fourth support arm and the fourth end portion of the fourth leg include corresponding seventh and eighth holes that receive a fourth removable pin.

4. The stand of claim 3, wherein the first and second legs are sized to allow, when the first and second removable pins are removed from the first, second, third, and fourth holes, the first and second legs to pivot to a first unfolded position in which the first and second legs are co-planar with the first frame, and wherein the third and fourth legs are sized to allow, when the third and fourth removable pins are removed from the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth holes, the third and fourth legs to pivot to a second unfolded position in which the third and fourth legs are co-planar with the second frame.

5. The stand of claim 3, wherein one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth removable pins are square clip pins.

6. The stand of claim 1, wherein the first leg brace includes first and second longitudinal end portions, the first end portion of the first leg brace being attached to the second end portion of the first leg, and the second end portion of the first leg brace being attached to the second end portion of the second leg.

7. The stand of claim 6, wherein the second leg brace includes third and fourth longitudinal end portions, the third end portion of the second leg brace being attached to the fourth end portion of the third leg, and the fourth end portion of the second leg brace being attached to the fourth end portion of the fourth leg.

8. The stand of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second leg braces includes a plurality of spaced holes sized to receive fasteners to fasten the first and second leg braces to the first and second roof portions.

9. A container stand, comprising: first and second planar frames pivotably attached to each other allowing the first and second frames to pivot about a longitudinal axis, the first frame defining a first opening, the second frame defining a second opening, each of the first and second openings being sized to receive a storage container;first and second spaced legs each having first and second longitudinal end portions, the first end portion of the first and second legs being pivotably attached to corresponding end portions of the first frame;a first leg brace attached to the second end portion of the first leg and the second end portion of the second leg;third and fourth legs each having longitudinally opposed third and fourth end portions, the third end portion of the third and fourth legs being pivotably attached to corresponding end portions of the second frame;a second leg brace attached to the fourth end portion of the third leg and the fourth end portion of the fourth leg, wherein the first and fourth legs are pivotable to place the first and second leg braces on first and second roof portions of a roof;first and second support arms having first and second longitudinal end portions, the first end portions of the first and second support arms being pivotably attached to each other and the first and second frames allowing each of the first and second support arm members to pivot about a support arm axis that is parallel to, or co-axial with, the longitudinal axis, the second end portion of the first and second support arms being pivotably attached to the second end portion of the first leg and the fourth end portion of the third leg, respectively; andthird and fourth support arms having third and fourth longitudinal end portions, the third end portion of the third and fourth support arms being pivotably attached to each other and the first and second frames allowing each of the third and fourth support arm members to pivot about the support arm axis, the fourth end portion of the third and fourth support arms being pivotably attached to the second end portion of the second leg and the fourth end portion of the fourth leg, respectively.