BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to storage apparatus and more particularly to storage apparatus for storing a plurality of articles.
2. Description of Related Art
Storage apparatus such as backpacks, duffle bags, purses, and briefcases are known in the art. Prior storage apparatus may include various compartments to separate items being stored in the apparatus. Some examples of multi-compartment storage apparatus include backpacks with a plurality of with side pockets. Such pockets are generally designed to hold a variety of items and merely form a smaller version of the main compartment.
There are instances where it is desirable to store a plurality of articles in an organized manner while allowing for storage of more generic items. For example, it may be desirable to effectively store several beverage containers of equal size in an efficient manner while still be able to store other items in the main compartment of the storage apparatus. Furthermore, it may be desirable to have easy access to the plurality of articles without the need to search the main compartment of the storage apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a storage apparatus including a main compartment. The storage apparatus also includes a cavity connected to the main compartment for storage of a plurality of articles. The storage apparatus further includes a dispenser connected to the cavity. The dispenser is configured for sequential removal of at least one of said articles from said cavity.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a storage apparatus including a body defining a main compartment. The storage apparatus further includes a sleeve connected to the body. The sleeve is for lengthwise storage of a plurality of elongated articles.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a backpack including an outer body defining a main compartment. The backpack also includes a sleeve disposed inside the main compartment. The sleeve has a top end and a bottom end. The sleeve is connected to the body and is configured to receive a plurality of beverage cans at the top end. The backpack also includes a dispenser locate at the bottom end of the sleeve and having an opening for removing pop cans. The backpack also includes a cover for covering the opening wherein the cover includes a zipper for holding the cover in a covered position.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view a sleeve of the storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view a sleeve of a storage apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view a sleeve of a storage apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view a sleeve of a storage apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view a sleeve of a storage apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention
FIG. 13 is a perspective view a sleeve of a storage apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, a storage apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 20. The apparatus 20 includes a body 22 defining a main compartment in which items may be stored. The apparatus 20 also includes a sleeve 24 connected to the body 22.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the body 22 is similar to a conventional backpack. The body 22 includes a pair of shoulder straps 26 and 28 to allow a user to carry the apparatus 20 on the user's back. The body 22 also includes an sealable opening to receive items in the main compartment. The opening can be sealed using any known sealing means such as a conventional zipper 30. Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of the body 22 is shown in which the zipper 30 is closed. The body 22 also includes a plurality of adjustment straps 32 and 34. For example, the adjustment straps 32 and 34 can be tightened when there are very few items in the main compartment to reduce the effective volume of the main compartment. By reducing the volume, items placed in the main compartment would less likely shift while the apparatus 20 is being transported.
Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the sleeve 24 is generally shown. The sleeve 24 is disposed inside the main compartment of the body 22 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored. As shown, the plurality articles 50 are stored such that the articles form a line. Some examples of articles 50 which may be stored in the cavity include beverage containers like water bottles, beer bottles, beer cans, drinking boxes, such as juice boxes, as well as other articles such as film canisters. Although examples of articles 50 are generally elongated articles, it will be appreciated that non-elongated articles may also be stored in the cavity.
The sleeve 24 is configured for receiving articles 50 at one end. Therefore, the dimensions of the sleeve 24 depend on the types of articles 50 that are intended for storage. The sleeve generally defines an elongated cavity with cross sectional dimensions similar to the dimensions of the smallest cross section of articles 50. In this embodiment, the sleeve has similar dimensions to the circular cross section of a pop can. Therefore, the sleeve will provide for lengthwise storage of the articles 50 in the main compartment. By storing articles 50 in a lengthwise manner, the articles are prevented from shifting in the main compartment resulting in better organization within the body. Furthermore, lengthwise storage of the articles 50 provides the advantage of efficiently using a given storage space by occupying a smaller footprint in the main compartment when the sleeve 24 is oriented vertically as shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the vertical orientation allows for easy loading of the cavity by simply dropping the articles 50 into the cavity.
Although the sleeve 24 is oriented vertically in the embodiment above, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any orientation of the sleeve would provide the advantage of increasing the efficient use of storage space.
The sleeve 24 is to be constructed of any suitable material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sleeve 24 is made of a flexible material. Being flexible is advantageous so that when the cavity is empty, the sleeve 24 may be folded or deformed in to allow for increased storage capacity in the main compartment. The material may also provide for thermal insulation such that cold or hot articles 50 would remain cold or hot respectively when stored in the sleeve. Materials that provide thermal insulation include commonly known materials such as foam, plastic, cellulose, fibreglass and rock wool. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may provide for a semi-rigid or a rigid sleeve where maintaining the shape of the sleeve would be advantageous, for example, for the purposes of loading the cavity.
Referring to FIG. 4, a storage apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 100. The apparatus 100 includes a body 122 defining a main compartment in which items may be stored. The apparatus 100 also includes a sleeve 124 connected to the body 122.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the body 122 is similar to a conventional backpack. The body 122 includes a pair of shoulder straps 126 and 128 to allow a user to carry the apparatus 100 on the user's back. The body 122 also includes a sealable main opening to receive items in the main compartment. The main opening can be sealed using any known sealing means such as a conventional zipper 130. The body 122 also includes a plurality of adjustment straps 132 and 134 to adjust the body 122. For example, the adjustment straps 132 and 134 can be tightened when there are very few items in the main compartment to reduce the effective volume of the main compartment. By reducing the volume, items placed in the main compartment would less likely shift while the apparatus 100 is being transported.
The sleeve 124 is disposed inside the main compartment of the body 122 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored. As shown, the plurality articles 50 are stored such that the articles form a line. Some examples of articles 50 which may be stored in the cavity include beverage containers like water bottles, beer bottles, beer cans, drinking boxes, such as juice boxes, as well as other articles such as film canisters. Although examples of articles 50 are generally elongated articles, it will be appreciated that non-elongated articles may also be stored in the cavity.
The sleeve 124 is configured for receiving articles 50 at one end. Therefore, the dimensions of the sleeve 124 depend on the types of articles 50 that are intended for storage. The sleeve generally defines an elongated cavity with cross sectional dimensions similar to the dimensions of the smallest cross section of articles 50. Therefore, the sleeve 124 will provide for lengthwise storage of the articles 50 in the main compartment. By storing articles 50 in a lengthwise manner, the articles are prevented from shifting in the main compartment resulting in better organization within the body 122. Furthermore, lengthwise storage of the articles 50 provides the advantage of efficiently using a given storage space by occupying a smaller footprint in the main compartment when the sleeve 124 is oriented vertically as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the vertical orientation allows for easy loading of the cavity by simply dropping the articles 50 into the cavity.
The apparatus 100 also includes a dispenser 135. The dispenser 135 includes an opening for allowing access to the articles 50 in the cavity. Therefore, the opening of the dispenser 135 includes an opening in both the body 122 the sleeve 124. A vertical orientation of the sleeve is also advantageous for allowing articles 50 in the sleeve to simply fall into the dispenser 135 when the bottom article is removed. Therefore, the apparatus 100 allows for sequential removal of articles 50 from the cavity in the order that articles were placed into the cavity. The dispenser 135 also includes a cover 136 which can seal the dispenser using a conventional zipper 138. The cover 136 prevents articles 50 from falling out of the cavity during transportation of the apparatus 100.
Although the sleeve 124 is oriented vertically in this embodiment, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any orientation of the sleeve would provide the advantage of increasing the efficient use of storage space. Although it may be desirable to have another article 50 fall into the dispenser 135 after the removal of a first article, a sleeve may also be oriented differently for other advantages.
The sleeve 124 is to be constructed of any suitable material. In the embodiment show in FIG. 4, the sleeve 124 is made of a flexible material. Being flexible is advantageous so that when the cavity is empty, the sleeve 124 may be folded or deformed in to allow for increased storage capacity in the main compartment. The material may also provide for thermal insulation such that cold or hot articles 50 would remain cold or hot respectively when stored in the sleeve. Materials that provide thermal insulation include commonly known materials such as foam, plastic, cellulose, fibreglass and rock wool. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may provide for a semi-rigid or a rigid sleeve where maintaining the shape of the sleeve would be advantageous, for example, for the purposes of loading the cavity or for allowing the articles 50 to fall freely into the dispenser 135.
Referring to FIG. 5, a sleeve 224 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention is shown. The sleeve 224 is disposed inside the main compartment of the body 222 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored. As shown, the plurality articles 50 are stored such that the articles form a line. Some examples of articles 50 which may be stored in the cavity include beverage containers like water bottles, beer bottles, beer cans, drinking boxes, such as juice boxes, as well as other articles such as film canisters. Although examples of articles 50 are generally elongated articles, it will be appreciated that non-elongated articles may also be stored in the cavity.
In this embodiment, sleeve 224 is detachably connected to the body 222 using a pair of hook and pile fasteners 240 and 242. The hook and pile fasteners 240 and 242 allow for quick and easy detachment of the sleeve 224 from the body 222. Removing the sleeve 224 when not in use creates more space in a main compartment so that more items may be placed in the main compartment. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, a different number of hook and pile fasteners may be used to attach a sleeve to a body.
The sleeve 224 is configured for receiving articles 50 at one end. Therefore, the dimensions of the sleeve 224 depend on the types of articles 50 that are intended for storage. The sleeve generally defines an elongated cavity with cross sectional dimensions similar to the dimensions of the smallest cross section of articles 50. Therefore, the sleeve 224 will provide for lengthwise storage of the articles 50 in the main compartment. By storing articles 50 in a lengthwise manner, the articles are prevented from shifting in the main compartment resulting in better organization within the body 222. Furthermore, lengthwise storage of the articles 50 provides the advantage of efficiently using a given storage space by occupying a smaller footprint in the main compartment when the sleeve 224 is oriented vertically as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the vertical orientation allows for easy loading of the cavity by simply dropping the articles 50 into the cavity.
Although the sleeve 224 is oriented vertically in this embodiment, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any orientation of the sleeve would provide the advantage of increasing the efficient use of storage space.
The sleeve 224 is to be constructed of ant suitable material. In the embodiment show in FIG. 5, the sleeve 224 is made of a flexible material. Although sleeve 224 is removable, it may still not be desirable to remove the sleeve when it is empty. Being flexible is advantageous so that when the cavity is empty, the sleeve 224 may be folded or deformed in to allow for increased storage capacity in the main compartment. The material may also provide for thermal insulation such that cold or hot articles 50 would remain cold or hot respectively when stored in the sleeve. This is particularly advantageous since the sleeve 224 can keep the articles cold or hot when separated from the body 222. Materials that provide thermal insulation include commonly known materials such as foam, plastic, cellulose, fibreglass and rock wool. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may provide for a semi-rigid or a rigid sleeve where maintaining the shape of the sleeve would be advantageous, for example, for the purposes of loading the cavity.
Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5 is shown. The sleeve 324 is detachably connected to a body 322 using a zipper fastener 340. The zipper fastener 340 allows for quick and easy detachment of the sleeve 324 from the body 322. Removing the sleeve 324 when not in use creates more space in a main compartment so that more items may be placed in the main compartment. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, more than one fastener may be used to attach a sleeve to a body.
FIGS. 5 and 6 describe attachment means which allow for quick and easy detachment of a sleeve to a body. It will be appreciated that any attachment means would be suitable for this purpose, for example, button means, clip means, hook means, etc.
Referring to FIG. 7, a sleeve 424 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention is shown. The sleeve 424 is disposed inside the main compartment of the body 422 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored. As shown, the plurality articles 50 are stored such that the articles form a line. Some examples of articles 50 which may be stored in the cavity include beverage containers like water bottles, beer bottles, beer cans, drinking boxes, such as juice boxes, as well as other articles such as film canisters. Although examples of articles 50 are generally elongated articles, it will be appreciated that non-elongated articles may also be stored in the cavity.
In this embodiment, sleeve 424 includes a drawstring sealing means 450 such that the opening through which articles are received can be sealed. This advantageously prevents the articles 50 from falling out of the sleeve 424 if the sleeve were to be inverted. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, different sealing means may be used, for example, a zipper fastener, a hook and pile fastener, a magnetic fastener, etc.
The sleeve 424 is configured for receiving articles 50 at one end. Therefore, the dimensions of the sleeve 424 depend on the types of articles 50 that are intended for storage. The sleeve generally defines an elongated cavity with cross sectional dimensions similar to the dimensions of the smallest cross section of articles 50. Therefore, the sleeve 424 will provide for lengthwise storage of the articles 50 in the main compartment. By storing articles 50 in a lengthwise manner, the articles are prevented from shifting in the main compartment resulting in better organization within the body 422. Furthermore, lengthwise storage of the articles 50 provides the advantage of efficiently using a given storage space by occupying a smaller footprint in the main compartment when the sleeve 424 is oriented vertically as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, the vertical orientation allows for easy loading of the cavity by simply dropping the articles 50 into the cavity.
Although the sleeve 424 is oriented vertically in this embodiment, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any orientation of the sleeve would provide the advantage of increasing the efficient use of storage space.
The sleeve 424 is to be constructed of any suitable material. In the embodiment show in FIG. 7, the sleeve 424 is made of a flexible material. Being flexible is advantageous so that when the cavity is empty, the sleeve 424 may be folded or deformed in to allow for increased storage capacity in the main compartment. The material may also provide for thermal insulation such that cold or hot articles 50 would remain cold or hot respectively when stored in the sleeve. Materials that provide thermal insulation include commonly known materials such as foam, plastic, cellulose, fibreglass and rock wool. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may provide for a semi-rigid or a rigid sleeve where maintaining the shape of the sleeve would be advantageous, for example, for the purposes of loading the cavity.
Referring to FIG. 8, a storage apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 500. The apparatus 500 includes a body 522 defining a main compartment in which items may be stored. The apparatus 500 also includes a sleeve 524 connected to the body 522.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the body 522 is similar to a conventional backpack. The body 522 includes a pair of shoulder straps 526 and 528 to allow a user to carry the apparatus 500 on the user's back. The body 522 also includes a sealable opening to receive items in a main compartment. The opening can be sealed using any known sealing means such as a conventional zipper 530. The body 522 also includes a plurality of adjustment straps 532 and 534. For example, the adjustment straps 532 and 534 can be tightened when there are very few items in the main compartment to reduce the effective volume of the main compartment. By reducing the volume, items placed in the main compartment would less likely shift while the apparatus 500 is being transported.
The sleeve 524 is disposed on the exterior of the body 522 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored. As shown, the plurality articles 50 are stored such that the articles form a line. Some examples of articles 50 which may be stored in the cavity include beverage containers like water bottles, beer bottles, beer cans, drinking boxes, such as juice boxes, as well as other articles such as film canisters. Although examples of articles 50 are generally elongated articles, it will be appreciated that non-elongated articles may also be stored in the cavity. By placing the sleeve 524 on the exterior of the body 524, the articles 50 would not occupy any space inside the main compartment. Therefore, more space would be available in the main compartment for other items.
The sleeve 524 is configured for receiving articles 50 at one end. Therefore, the dimensions of the sleeve 524 depend on the types of articles 50 that are intended for storage. The sleeve generally defines an elongated cavity with cross sectional dimensions similar to the dimensions of the smallest cross section of articles 50. In this embodiment, the sleeve has similar dimensions to the circular cross section of a pop can. Therefore, the sleeve 524 will provide for lengthwise storage of the articles 50 in the main compartment. By storing articles 50 in a lengthwise manner, the articles are prevented from shifting while the apparatus is being transported.
The sleeve 524 is to be constructed of any suitable material. In the embodiment show in FIG. 8, the sleeve 524 is made of a flexible material. Being flexible is advantageous so that when the cavity is empty, the sleeve 524 may be folded or deformed so that the apparatus 500 would occupy less space. The material may also provide for thermal insulation such that cold or hot articles 50 would remain cold or hot respectively when stored in the sleeve. Materials that provide thermal insulation include commonly known materials such as foam, plastic, cellulose, fibreglass and rock wool. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may provide for a semi-rigid or a rigid sleeve where maintaining the shape of the sleeve would be advantageous, for example, for the purposes of loading the cavity.
Referring to FIG. 9, yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 600. The storage apparatus 600 is similar to the storage apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 8 except the apparatus of FIG. 9 includes a dispenser 635. The dispenser 635 includes an opening in the sleeve 624 for allowing access to the articles 50 in the cavity. A vertical orientation of the sleeve is advantageous allowing articles 50 in the sleeve to simply fall into the dispenser 635 when the bottom article is removed. Therefore, the apparatus 600 allows for sequential removal of articles 50 from the cavity in the order that the articles were placed into the cavity. The dispenser 635 also includes a cover 636 which can seal the dispenser using a conventional zipper 638. The cover 636 prevents articles 50 from falling out of the cavity during transportation of the apparatus 600.
Referring to FIG. 10, yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 700. The storage apparatus 700 is similar to the storage apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 8 except the apparatus of FIG. 10 includes a detachable sleeve 724. The sleeve 724 is disposed on the exterior of the body 722 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored.
In this embodiment, sleeve 724 is detachably connected to the body 722 using a pair of hook and pile fasteners 740 and 742. The hook and pile fasteners 740 and 742 allow for quick and easy detachment of the sleeve 724 from a body 722. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, a different number of hook and pile fasteners may be used to attach a sleeve to a body. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any attachment means allow for quick and easy attachment and detachments would be suitable for this purpose, for example, button means, clip means, hook means, etc.
Referring to FIG. 11, yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 800. The storage apparatus 800 is similar to the storage apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 8 except the apparatus of FIG. 11 includes a detachable sleeve 824 and a dispenser 835. The sleeve 824 is detachably connected to the body 822 using a pair of hook and pile fasteners 840 and 842 which allow for quick and easy detachment of the sleeve.
The dispenser 835 includes an opening in the sleeve 824 for allowing access to the articles 50 in the cavity. A vertical orientation of the sleeve is advantageous since this would allow articles 50 in the sleeve to simply fall into the dispenser 835 when the bottom article is removed. Therefore, the apparatus 800 allows for sequential removal of articles 50 from the cavity in the order that the articles were placed into the cavity. The dispenser 835 also includes a cover 836 which can seal the dispenser using a conventional zipper 838. The cover 836 prevents articles 50 from falling out of the cavity during transportation of the apparatus 800.
Referring to FIG. 12, a sleeve 924 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 900. The sleeve 924 is disposed inside the main compartment of a body 922 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored. A heater coil 944 is disposed along the length of the sleeve 924 and connected to a heater controller 946. The heater controller 946 controls the power supplied to the heater coil to maintain a desired temperature. Therefore, the articles 50 stored in the cavity can be maintained at a temperature above the ambient temperature. Although a heater coil 944 is shown, it should be appreciated that any heating means can be used, for example, a heating pad. In addition, the sleeve 924 may also be configured to receive a hot substance such as hot water to provide the heating.
Referring to FIG. 13, a sleeve 1024 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 1000. The sleeve 1024 is disposed inside the main compartment of a body 1022 and defines a cavity in which a plurality of articles 50 can be stored. A cooling pad 1048 is disposed on the sleeve 1024 and connected to a cooling controller 1052. The cooling controller 1052 controls the power supplied to the cooling pad to maintain a desired temperature. Therefore, the articles 50 stored in the cavity can be maintained at a temperature below the ambient temperature. The cooling pad 1048 may comprise a thermal electric cooler. Although a cooling pad 1048 is shown, it should be appreciated that any cooling means can be used. In addition, the sleeve 1024 may also be configured to receive a cold substance such as cold water to provide the cooling.
Referring to FIG. 14, a storage apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 1100. The apparatus 1100 includes a body 1122 defining a main compartment in which items may be stored. In this embodiment the body 1122 is similar to a conventional duffle bag. The apparatus 1100 also includes a sleeve 1124 connected to the body 1122 for receiving articles 50. The apparatus 1100 also includes a dispenser 1135. The dispenser includes an opening for allowing access to the articles 50 in the cavity. Therefore, the opening of the dispenser comprises an opening in both the body 1122 the sleeve 1124 to allow for sequential removal of articles 50 from the cavity in the order that that articles were placed into the cavity. The dispenser also includes a cover 1136 which can seal the dispenser using a conventional zipper 1138. The cover 1136 prevents articles 50 from falling out of the cavity during transportation of the apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 15, a storage apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 1200. The apparatus 1200 includes a body 1222 defining a main compartment in which items may be stored. In this embodiment the body 1222 is similar to a conventional suitcase. The apparatus 1200 also includes a sleeve 1224 connected to the body 1222 for receiving articles 50. The apparatus 1200 also includes a dispenser 1235. The dispenser includes an opening for allowing access to the articles 50 in the cavity. Therefore, the opening of the dispenser comprises an opening in both the body 1222 the sleeve 1224 to allow for sequential removal of articles 50 from the cavity in the order that that articles were placed into the cavity. The dispenser also includes a cover 1236 which can seal the dispenser using a conventional zipper 1238. The cover 1236 prevents articles 50 from falling out of the cavity during transportation of the apparatus.
FIGS. 14 and 15 describe different bodies which could be adapted into an embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that many other types of bodies would be suitable for this purpose, for example, a purse, a briefcase, etc.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.
Patent Application
20120223088
