The present invention relates generally to a new and improved, multi-tiered organizational storage system that can be used for both indoor and outdoor events, such as barbecues, picnics, tailgating, boating, sporting events, camping and the like. For general storage needs such as holiday decorations, playroom toys & games and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to a mobile storage container comprised of a transparent, translucent or solid color material, and that is further comprised of multiple and customizable drawers and drawer inserts that enable a user to quickly construct a personally tailored configuration for the storage container device and easily store, identify and subsequently access desired items therein or thereon. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
When hosting or attending activities such as barbecues, picnics, tailgating, boating, sporting events, camping and the like, a variety of items and supplies are commonly needed. These items may include, without limitation, such things as food items, cooking utensils, cooking ingredients, condiments, place settings, cleaning supplies, first aid items, games, and any number of other items depending upon the particular activity, event or engagement. For a holiday occasion, items such as Christmas balls, tree ornaments, tinsel, Christmas lights, stockings, and candles. Because said items and supplies are needed for such events, there is also a related need for an improved, multi-tiered and mobile organizational storage system to store and transport said items and supplies, and to improve a user's accessibility to the same.
Users commonly store the above referenced items and supplies in any number or different types of containers including, without limitation, boxes, storage bins, totes, bags, and various other devices of the like. For example, an individual may choose to store certain categories or types of items in multiple separate containers depending upon the event or activity, the function/purpose of each item being stored, and the storage space available in the chosen container(s). However, having multiple different containers can be expensive and takes up too much space.
Further, because all items that would be stored in said containers would likely be of importance to the specific event the user is attending or participating in, it is beneficial to have all items stored in one central location for convenience. However, conventional containers like those mentioned above have several inherent drawbacks and limitations. One such inherent limitation or drawback is the limited organizational nature of the particular container type. For example, if a simple box-like container device is used to store a number of items, the user has no way to quickly locate a particular item within the container device or to compartmentalize or separate the items within the container device without having to resort to a secondary means of organizing/dividing the items, such as placing them into a number of separate smaller container devices within the larger container device. Additionally, the use of smaller container devices stored within a larger container device increases expense and may make it more difficult for the user to locate the particular item that the user desires, as the user would most likely have to move several secondary containers around and open the same to locate the desired item within the larger container.
Moreover, as noted above, if the user does not opt to use secondary containers and simply places all items into one large container, the ability to efficiently locate one specific item among many different items is greatly diminished. In addition, any unsecured items within a container device that lacks a lid or other closure mechanism has the ability to be dislodged from its current location, thereby making it more difficult to subsequently locate, and or may result in the loss of the item altogether. Items may also be more prone to breakage or, in the case of a liquid item being stored, a leaky or broken container can potentially destroy part or all items contained within. With personally tailored compartments with said storage container, potential damage to items is reduced as the specific compartment impedes potential widespread contamination and loss of items
To overcome the inherent limitations and inefficiencies associated with the compartmentalization and organization of certain prior art containers, other known containers further comprise fixed sub-dividers or other segmenting or compartmentalizing means that are positioned within the container to segregate or subdivide the interior portion thereof. These compartments allow the user to separate stored items based on any number of factors of preference including, without limitation, the type of item, the function of the item, or any other user selected criteria. However, containers with integrated or fixed dividers or non-modifiable compartments still contain an inherent drawback, namely they are not customizable to suit user need and/or preference in terms of size, position, dimensions, etc. For example, the size or dimensions of a fixed storage space created by a divider or other compartment means may not permit a user to store an oversized item therein, or may result in a user having to store a number of smaller items in an oversized compartment, thereby wasting valuable storage space. To counteract this inefficiency, the user may be forced to store additional items in the underutilized compartment/divider which, in turn, creates the same issue mentioned above, namely having a storage space cluttered with unrelated items that makes it increasingly difficult and time consuming for a user to find any one particular item.
Other prior art storage container devices are opaque in nature, and do not permit a user to easily view the contents of the storage container device itself or the storage compartments contained therein. This lack of visibility can make it difficult for a user to quickly and efficiently locate a particular item stored within the storage container device, particularly if the user didn't place the item in the storage container device in the first place. Further, the use of such opaque storage containers requires the user to search each and every separate compartment for the item, which is inefficient and can be extremely frustrating for the user. Still other prior art storage container devices lack sufficient work space or a work surface for a user once an article or item is successfully retrieved from the storage container device, thereby requiring the user to also provide or locate a nearby work surface.
Additionally, most storage container devices brought to events and other activities have no means of being easily transported or moved other than by being picked up and carried by the user. This drawback is fully realized if the container device contains a large number of items, or the items that are being stored within the container are of substantial weight. If the container is ultimately deemed too heavy to be picked up and carried by the user, the user may resort to dragging the container, which can damage the container itself and further lead to the container breaking open and spilling its contents. Furthermore, many containers that would be used in such circumstances may not have any exterior handles or areas for a user to grip to aid in the moving of the container, thereby making it even more difficult to transport the container. To circumvent the inherent inefficiencies regarding mobility of currently used containers, some known containers are comprised of wheels that allow the user to push the container to a different area. However, many of these wheeled containers lack a means to steer the container or pull the container behind them, such as an extendible handle that may be conveniently located on the container device and stowed when not in use.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved storage container that is both mobile and relatively easy to transport. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved storage container that allows the user to readily see the contents of the storage container from any direction and/or angle. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a storage container comprised of a plurality of compartments and/or removable drawers that are easily reconfigurable to suit user need and/or preference, and that further comprises a plurality of workspaces that are repositionable between a stowed position and a deployed position. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved storage container that further comprises an integrated supply checklist, and that is relatively safe and easy to transport and use.
In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a mobile storage container device comprised of a transparent or translucent housing, a plurality of repositionable doors and workspaces attached to said housing, and a plurality of reconfigurable drawers and compartments stored within an interior of said housing. The storage container device of the present invention may further comprise one or more handles including, without limitation, a telescoping handle, and a plurality of wheels with brakes attached to a bottom of the housing for easy transportation of the storage container device. Finally, the device may further comprise an integrated supply checklist for stocking and easily locating items within the storage container device.
The storage container device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby improving the ability of a user to successfully store and easily identify and access items needed for events such as picnics, barbeques, tailgates, holidays and other events in one centralized and readily movable/transportable location. In addition, the device gains storage area for the user by being comprised of one or more extendable tabletop like work surfaces.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein is a new and improved, multi-tiered organizational storage system that can be used for both indoor and outdoor events, such as barbecues, picnics, tailgating, boating, sporting events, camping, holidays and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to a mobile storage container that, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a transparent or translucent material, multiple and customizable drawers and drawer inserts that enable a user to quickly construct a desired configuration for the storage container device and store, identify and access desired items therein.
The storage container device of the present invention preferably comprises a generally rectangular housing that encloses an interior space for housing a series of removable drawers, with each drawer having a handle that is integrally cut into the drawer face. Additionally, because the improved, multi-tiered organizational storage device is comprised of a transparent or translucent material, a user can easily view the contents being stored within the device from any angle or direction. The storage container device is further comprised of a plurality of wheels with brakes, such as canister wheels, and a retractable telescoping handle assembly that allow the storage container device to be easily transported with minimal effort by the user. Additionally, the storage container device is also comprised of a set of handles attachable or integrated into the sides of the storage container device to allow the device to be easily handled and carried by the user when it is not possible to transport the device via the wheels. Finally, the device features a set of drawer inserts/dividers that allow the user to customize the storage area size/dimensions within each drawer.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage compartment device is further comprised of a work surface or tray member that is repositionable from a stowed position to a deployed position to form a tabletop-like extension for the user, and an integrated and modifiable supply checklist that further enables the user to quickly and efficiently both stock the storage compartment device with desired supplies and items, and subsequently locate the same for use.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved storage container device that: (a) is both mobile and relatively easy to transport; (b) allows users to readily view the contents of the device from any direction and/or angle; (c) is comprised of a plurality of compartments and/or removable drawers that are easily reconfigurable to suit user need and/or preference; (d) is comprised of a plurality of workspaces that are repositionable between a stowed position and a deployed position; (e) is comprised of an integrated supply checklist; and (f) is relatively safe and easy to use.
The storage container device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing needs and objectives, and is designed to allow a user to store any number or type of items that may be brought to a social gathering such as, but not limited to, picnics, barbeques, tailgates, and other events in one centralized location. Generally stated, the storage container device of the present invention is comprised of a substantially transparent or translucent plastic material that allows a user to view the interior of the device and its various compartments from any direction and any angle to easily and efficiently determine where a desired item is located without having to open each drawer and/or compartment individually. The storage container device also permits a user to customize the layout or configuration of each drawer with a series of removable vertical and horizontal inserts/dividers that can be placed in any configuration desired by the user. For ease of transportation, the storage container device is further comprised of a plurality of wheels having brakes, and one or more handles including, without limitation, a retractable telescoping handle. Finally, the storage container device comprises a plurality of worksurfaces that are individually repositionable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and an integrated and user modifiable inventory checklist.
Referring initially to the drawings,
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In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dimensions of the housing 110 are as follows: (a) between 36 and 40 inches wide, as measured between opposing sides 116; (b) between 12 and 14 inches deep, as measured between front 112 and back 114; and (c) between 28 and 32 inches high, as measured from bottom 115 to the upper surface of the top doors 120, though it is contemplated that other shapes and dimensions could also be used without significantly impacting the overall concept of the present invention.
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Further, each of said plurality of drawers 140 may further comprise one or more removable dividers 145 for compartmentalizing or segmenting the compartments 146 of said drawers 140, as best shown in
The drawers 140 may be positioned within the interior 118 of the housing 110 in any manner that suits a user's need or preference. Further, as best shown in
As noted above and best shown in
As previously mentioned, storage container device 100 further comprises a plurality of wheels 180 for easily transporting storage container device 100 across a surface. Wheels 180 may be any type of wheel commonly known in the art for moving or transporting an item, such as cannister or caster wheels, and further comprises a brake 182. Wheels 180 are preferably attached to the underside of bottom 115 in spaced apart fashion and to provide increased stability to storage container device 100.
As previously stated, storage container device 100 further comprises an integrated and modifiable supply checklist 195 that further enables the user 300 to quickly and efficiently check supply inventory, stock the storage compartment device with desired supplies and items, and subsequently locate the same for use. For example, and as best shown in
Notwithstanding any of the forgoing, the storage container devices 100 and 1000 can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the storage container devices 100 and 1000 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the storage container devices 100, 1000 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the storage container devices 100, 1000 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the storage container device 100, 1000 and its various components including drawers 140 may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. The storage container devices 100, 1000 can also be used in any application where a user may need to store items, and is not limited in its use to only activities such as picnics, barbeques, tailgates, and other events.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/803,389 filed on Feb. 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62803389 | Feb 2019 | US |