This invention relates generally to a storage bin. More specifically the invention relates to a soft side collapsible storage bin.
Storage compartments and storage bins are currently found in motor vehicles in the form of glove compartments, console recesses, side panels of doors and the like. In addition, some consoles provide recesses wherein a beverage container can be placed. The presence and use of such storage containers and/or beverage container holders provide occupants of the motor vehicle with convenience regarding the placement of items such as sunglasses, maps, coins, writing instruments and the like. Heretofore storage compartments typically provide a fixed and rigid structure that can contain items to be stored. And although convenient at times for an occupant of the motor vehicle, when not in use these storage compartments can occupy limited space within the interior. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a collapsible storage compartment that could collapse and occupy a minimum of space when not in use.
Disclosed is a collapsible storage bin for use in a motor vehicle. In particular instances, the collapsible storage bin can have a generally planar lower rigid member and a generally planar upper rigid member oppositely disposed from said lower rigid member. The upper rigid member can have a recess for placement of an item and an opening providing access to a collapsible storage bin underneath the upper rigid member. A collapsible support brace pivotally attached to the upper rigid member and the lower rigid member is included, the support brace also adjoining the upper rigid member to the lower rigid member. The support brace is operable to move between an extended upright position and a collapsed down position, the extended upright position defining a spaced apart relationship between the lower rigid member and the upper rigid member. A flexible sidewall attached to the upper rigid member is included and defines a side surface of the collapsible storage bin underneath the upper rigid member when the collapsible support brace is in the extended upright position. The flexible sidewall extends completely around the storage bin volume.
The present invention includes a collapsible storage bin for use in a motor vehicle. As such the present invention has utility as a storage compartment. In addition, the present invention has utility as a storage compartment that can be collapsed and thereby occupy a minimum of space when not in use.
The collapsible storage bin of the present invention has a generally planar lower rigid member and a generally planar upper rigid member oppositely disposed from the lower rigid member. Attached to and adjoining the lower rigid member to the upper rigid member is a collapsible support brace that is operable to move between an extended upright position and a collapsed down position. When the collapsible support brace is in the extended upright position, a spaced apart relationship is defined between the lower rigid member and the upper rigid member. A flexible sidewall is attached to the upper rigid member and defines a side surface of a collapsible storage bin volume underneath the upper rigid member when the support brace is in the extended upright position. The upper rigid member can be in the form of a tray and can include a recess that is dimensioned to accept or hold items such as beverage containers, coins, writing instruments and the like.
Referring now to
Movably attached to and adjoining the lower rigid member 100 to the upper rigid member 200 is a collapsible support brace 300. In some instances, there can be more than one support brace 300 as shown in
The slot 110 in the lower rigid member and the slot 260 of the upper rigid member afford for the pin 350 to slide in a generally horizontal manner and in combination with a pivot axis 330 allows for the first leg 310 and second leg 320 to open and close in a scissor-like manner. When the first leg 310 and second leg 320 open to form an X shape, the upper rigid member 200 is raised to a distance above the lower rigid member 100. This spaced apart relationship between the lower rigid member 100 and the upper rigid member 200 affords for a storage bin volume underneath the upper rigid member 200.
Enclosing the storage bin volume that is present between the lower rigid member 100 and the upper rigid member 200 when the collapsible support bracket 300 is in the extended upright position as shown in
Turning now to
Referring now to
Turning now to
It is appreciated that the movement of the collapsible support bracket 300 can be afforded manually by an occupant of the motor vehicle or optionally powered using energy supplied by the motor vehicle. The power supplied by the vehicle can be used to energize an electric motor, pneumatic motor and/or hydraulic system attached to the collapsible support brace 300; the electric motor, pneumatic motor and/or hydraulic system affording movement of the support brace 300 and upper rigid member 200 between the closed down position and the extended upright position. It is also appreciated that the lower rigid member 100 can be attached to a floor member of the motor vehicle and that the lower rigid member 100 and upper rigid member 200 can be made from any material known to those skilled in the art, illustratively including metals, alloys, plastics, ceramics and combinations thereof. The flexible sidewall 400 can likewise be made from any material known to those skilled in the art, illustratively including cloth, thread, flexible plastic sheet, flexible cloth sheet, cloth cargo net, plastic cargo net and the like.
In the manner as described above, a collapsible storage bin for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The collapsible storage bin can include an upper tray that affords for the placement of items such as beverage containers, coins and the like thereon and access to a storage bin volume underneath the upper tray when the collapsible storage bin is in an upright extended position. It is appreciated that other types of collapsible support brackets can be used within the present invention, such as collapsible brackets located at the corners of the storage bin volume. For example, telescopic rods or poles located at the corners can provide a collapsible support structure that affords for a collapsible storage bin volume to be present therebetween.
The foregoing drawings, discussion and description are illustrative of specific embodiments of the present invention, but they are not meant to be limitations upon the practice thereof. Numerous modifications and variations of the invention will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the teaching presented herein. It is the following claims, including all equivalents, which define the scope of the invention.