Transport Case Device

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250120484
  • Publication Number
    20250120484
  • Date Filed
    February 27, 2024
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    April 17, 2025
    3 months ago
  • Inventors
    • Mills; Susan (Round Rock, TX, US)
Abstract
A transport case device is provided. The device is comprised of a generally rectangular body that is further comprised of an interior space from which many items, especially office supplies, may be placed into a plurality of storage compartments in an organized manner. The body is further comprised of a retractable handle that allows the device to be easily transported by rolling the device along a surface via the wheels of the device. The interior space of the body may be protected during transportation via a lid that may seal the contents from inclement weather and theft via a locking mechanism.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of transport cases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transport case device comprised of a body having an interior space wherein items may be placed into a plurality of storage compartments in an organized manner. The body is further comprised of a retractable handle that allows the device to be easily transported by rolling the device along a surface via the wheels of the device. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.


BACKGROUND

Many employees are currently adapting to a hybrid work model that alternates between at-home and in-office settings. Consequently, there is a growing necessity for these workers to transport a variety of office essentials back and forth between their homes and offices. This inventory often includes not only computers and monitors but also an array of folders, documents, and general office supplies. The challenge faced by these individuals lies in managing the safe and orderly transport of these items without damage.


Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows for office supplies to be transported between locations easily. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a transport case device that can store multiple types of office supplies in an organized manner. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a transport case device that protects office supplies while said supplies are transported.


The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a transport case device. The device is comprised of a body that is further comprised of an interior space with a plurality of storage compartments. The body is further comprised of a retractable handle that allows the device to be easily transported by rolling the device along a surface via the wheels of the device. The interior space of the body may be protected during transportation via a lid that may seal the contents from inclement weather and theft via a locking mechanism.


In this manner, the transport case device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that allows for office supplies to be easily transported between locations. More specifically, the transport case device may store many different commonly used office supplies within the device in an organized manner. Furthermore, the transport case device may be easily transported and may protect the supplies within from any inclement weather or damage during transportation.


SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary 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 general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.


The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a transport case device primarily comprised of a body, an interior space, a lid, and a lower drawer. The device is designed to protect and store office supplies in an organized manner when transporting office supplies between the office and home (or other locations).


The device is comprised of a body that is preferably made from a rigid plastic material. The body may be further comprised of at least one wheel and a retractable handle. The two retractable side handles will be on opposite sides to lift to elevated surfaces. A user may grip the device by the retractable handle to roll the device along any surface via the wheels. The body is further comprised of an interior space. The interior space may be organized into a plurality of storage compartments via a plurality of divider walls. The divider walls may be fixed or customizable in differing embodiments.


The body may also be comprised of a lid. A locking mechanism may further secure the device, preventing the lid from being opened inadvertently. A bottom surface of the lid may further be used to store office supplies or other items and provide a user with a writing surface to write any notes, reminders, appointments, etc.


In one potential embodiment of the device, the body may be comprised of a drawer to store more items. The drawer may also be comprised of a locking mechanism, further securing the drawer from being accessed. A plurality of divider walls may further allow the contents of the drawer to be organized.


The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided primarily comprised of a body, an interior space, a lid, and a drawer. The interior space may be padded to protect devices. Then, the lid of the body may be opened. Then, the divider walls of the interior space of the body and the divider walls of the drawer may be repositioned according to the needs of the user. Next, any items may be placed into the storage compartments of the interior space of the body and the drawer. Then, the lid and the drawer may be locked via a locking mechanism. Next, the retractable handle may be pulled from the body and fixed at a length via the handle lock. Finally, the device may be rolled along any surface via the wheels of the body.


Accordingly, the transport case device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that allows for office supplies to be easily transported between their home and place of work. More specifically, the transport case device may be easily transported and protect the contents within the device from being damaged during transportation. Furthermore, the transport case device may effectively organize many different items, especially commonly used office supplies, within the device. In this manner, the transport case device provides a solution to transport work supplies easily and securely.


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 are 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.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:



FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a transport case device of the present invention while closed in accordance with the disclosed architecture;



FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a transport case device of the present invention while closed and while a handle of the device is extended in accordance with the disclosed architecture;



FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a transport case device of the present invention while open in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and



FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a transport case device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 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 to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.


As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows for office supplies to easily be transported between their home and place of work (or other locations). More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a transport case device that may store multiple types of office supplies in an organized manner. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a transport case device that provides protection for office supplies and can be easily transported.


The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a transport case device. The device is primarily comprised of a body, an interior space, a lid, and a drawer. The device is designed to protect and store office supplies in an organized manner when transporting the office supplies between the office and home in a hybrid-style work environment.


More specifically, the device is comprised of a body that is preferably made from a rigid plastic material. The body may be further comprised of at least one wheel that allows the device to easily be transported along a surface. A retractable handle may act as a grip point for the user. The retractable side handles will be on opposite sides to lift to elevated surfaces. The retractable handle may extend out from the body of the device such that the device may be rolled on the wheels from a comfortable upright position. The retractable handle may be further comprised of a handle lock. The handle lock may temporarily fix the extent to which the retractable handle is extended from the body. In addition, any portion of the body may be further comprised of at least one body handle that provides an additional grip point for a user when attempting to lift the device.


The body may further be comprised of an interior space. The interior space may be further comprised of at least one divider wall that separates the interior space into storage compartments. The storage compartments may be any shape to allow for the storage of multiple types of items. In one potential embodiment, the divider walls may be removable such that a user may customize the shape and size of the storage compartments to fit the needs of the user. Further, any storage compartment may be comprised of a padding to protect the items in said storage compartment from breaking or getting damaged during transportation.


The body of the device may be comprised of a lid to seal the interior space of the body from the elements. The lid is preferably attached to the body via at least one hinge such that the lid may be opened but never detached from the body. The lid may be comprised of a locking mechanism to prevent the lid from being easily opened. The lid is further comprised of a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the lid may be comprised of at least one writing surface, such as a notepad or a dry-erase surface, that may be easily reused. The bottom surface of the lid may further be comprised of at least one pocket/pouch to store any office supplies in but is preferably used to store smaller office supplies.


In one potential embodiment, the body may be comprised of at least one drawer that may be pulled outwards from the body. The drawer may further be comprised of a locking mechanism, preventing unwanted users from accessing the contents of the drawer. The drawer may be comprised of at least one divider wall to separate the drawer into different organizational sections. The divider walls may be removable, allowing for a user to customize the space of the drawer according to their needs.


The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided primarily comprised of a body, an interior space, a lid, and a drawer. Then, the lid of the body may be opened. Then, the divider walls of the interior space of the body and the divider walls of the drawer may be repositioned according to the needs of the user. Next, any items may be placed into the storage compartments of the interior space of the body and the drawer. Then, the lid and the drawer may be locked via a locking mechanism. Next, the retractable handle may be pulled from the body and fixed at a length via the handle lock. Finally, the device may be rolled along any surface via the wheels of the body.


Accordingly, the transport case device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that allows for office supplies to be easily transported between their home and place of work. More specifically, the transport case device may store many items and office supplies in an organized manner within the device. Furthermore, the transport case device may be easily transported and protect the contents of the device from being damaged in any way during transportation. In this manner, the transport case device provides a solution to transport work supplies easily and securely.


Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a transport case device 100 of the present invention while closed in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110 with an interior space 120, a lid 130, and at least one drawer 150. The device 100 is designed to protect and store office supplies in an organized manner when transporting office supplies between locations.


The device 100 is comprised of a generally rectangular body 110 that may be made from any material but is preferably made from a rigid plastic or lightweight metal material. The body 110 may further be comprised of at least one wheel 111 (of any type) that allows the device 100 to be easily transported (i.e., rolled) on a surface. A user may further grip at least one retractable handle 112 to push the device 100 on the wheels 111. The retractable handle 112 may extend from the body 110 to provide the user with an ergonomic grip point, as best seen in FIG. 2. The retractable side handles will be on opposite sides to lift to elevated surfaces. After extending the retractable handle 112, at least one handle lock 113 may be activated to temporarily fix the length at which the retractable handle 112 is extended from the body 110. The handle lock 113, in differing embodiments, may be activated at any length by the user or automatically at pre-set increments along the length of the retractable handle 112. In addition, the body 110 may be comprised of a body handle 114 from which a user may lift the device 100.



FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a transport case device 100 of the present invention while open in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The interior space 120 may be further comprised of at least one divider wall 121. The divider wall 121 may separate the interior space 120 of the body 110 into a plurality of storage compartments 122. The storage compartments 122 may be of any shape and size to fit the specific needs of the user. Further, the divider walls 121 may be fixedly attached to the interior space 120 of the body 110 or removably attached to allow the user to customize the interior space 120 of the body 110 to their preferences. In one potential embodiment, the interior of any storage compartment 122 may be comprised of a padding 123 to protect any material or item that is stored in the device 100 during transportation.


The device 100 may further be comprised of at least one lid 130 to seal the interior space 120 of the body 110. The lid 130 may be fixedly attached to the body 110 via at least one hinge 134. In one potential embodiment, the lid 130 may be removably attached to the body 110. The lid 130 may be further comprised of a locking mechanism 132 to prevent the interior space 120 of the body 110 by being inadvertently accessed. The locking mechanism 132 of the lid 130 may be any locking mechanism known in the art such as, but not limited to, a latch, a key lock, a number lock, a biometric lock, etc. A bottom surface 140 of the lid 130 may be further comprised of at least one writing surface 142 and at least one pocket/pouch 144. The writing surface 142 may be any surface that can be easily written upon, such as, but not limited to, a notepad, a notebook, a paper, a dry-erase surface, cardstock, paper, etc. The pocket/pouch 144 may hold typically smaller items or office supplies, such as pens, pencils, markers, scissors, staplers, rulers, etc.


In one potential embodiment of the device 100, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one drawer 150. The drawer, in the preferred embodiment, may be pulled outwards from the body 110 to be accessed. The drawer 150 may be further comprised of a locking mechanism 152 of any type known in the art such as, but not limited to, key lock, number lock, biometric lock, etc., that prevents unwanted users from accessing the contents of the drawer 150. At least one divider wall 154 may provide additional organization to the drawer 150. The divider walls 154 of the drawer 150 may be removable or fixedly attached to the drawer 150. In one potential embodiment, the drawer 150 may be any other type of storage device, such as a pocket, pouch, cup holder, door, etc.


The present invention is also comprised of a method 200 of using the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided primarily comprised of a body 110 comprised of an interior space 120, a lid 130, at least storage compartment 122 formed by at least one divider wall 121, and a drawer 150 which may be comprised of at least one divider wall 154 [Step 202]. Then, the lid 130 of the body 110 may be opened [Step 204]. Next, the divider walls 121 of the interior space 120 of the body 110 and the divider walls 154 of the drawer 150 may be repositioned according to the needs of the user to create various storage compartments 122 and storage areas within the interior space 120 and drawer 150 [Step 206]. Then, items may be placed into the storage compartments 122 of the interior space 120 of the body 110 and the drawer 150 [Step 208]. Then, the lid 130 and the drawer 150 may be closed and locked via a locking mechanism 132, 152 [Step 120]. Next, the retractable handle 112 may be pulled from the body 110 and fixed at a length via the handle lock 113 [Step 212]. The retractable side handles will be on opposite sides to lift to elevated surfaces. Finally, the device 100 may be rolled along any surface via the wheels 111 of the body 110 [Step 214].


Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “transport case device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the transport case device 100 of the present invention.


Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transport case device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the transport case device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the transport case device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the transport case device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the transport case device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.


Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.


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.

Claims
  • 1. A transport case device comprising: a body comprised of an interior space;a first divider wall positioned in the interior space;a lid;a handle; anda drawer.
  • 2. The transport case device of claim 1, wherein the first divider wall forms a storage compartment within the interior space.
  • 3. The transport case device of claim 2, wherein the storage compartment is comprised of a padding.
  • 4. The transport case device of claim 1, wherein the lid attaches to the body via a hinge.
  • 5. The transport case device of claim 1, wherein the lid is comprised of a first locking mechanism that secures the lid to the body.
  • 6. The transport case device of claim 1, wherein the drawer is comprised of a second divider wall.
  • 7. The transport case device of claim 1, wherein the drawer is comprised of a second locking mechanism that secures the drawer to the body.
  • 8. A transport case device comprising: a body comprised of an interior space and a first handle;a first divider wall positioned in the interior space;a lid;a second handle; anda drawer.
  • 9. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein the second handle is comprised of a retractable handle.
  • 10. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein the retractable handle is comprised of a locking mechanism.
  • 11. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein a bottom surface of the lid is comprised of a writing surface.
  • 12. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein a bottom surface of the lid is comprised of a pouch or a pocket.
  • 13. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein the first divider wall forms a storage compartment within the interior space.
  • 14. The transport case device of claim 13, wherein the storage compartment is comprised of a padding.
  • 15. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein the lid attaches to the body via a hinge.
  • 16. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein the lid is comprised of a first locking mechanism that secures the lid to the body.
  • 17. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein the drawer is comprised of a second divider wall.
  • 18. The transport case device of claim 8, wherein the drawer is comprised of a second locking mechanism that secures the drawer to the body.
  • 19. A method of using a transport case device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a transport case device comprised of a body comprised of an interior space, a lid, a storage compartment formed by a first divider wall, and a drawer;opening the lid;placing an item into the storage compartment;closing the lid and locking the lid via a locking mechanism;pulling a handle from the body; androlling the transport case device along a surface.
  • 20. The method of using a transport case device of claim 19, wherein the handle is comprised of a retractable handle.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/589,764, which was filed on Oct. 12, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63589764 Oct 2023 US