WO2006040591A1

WO2006040591A1 - A storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2006040591A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/004000
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mary Gillian Colson
Original assignee: Toytower Limited
Priority date: 2004-10-15
Filing date: 2005-10-17
Publication date: 2006-04-20

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage system, more particularly, but not exclusively a storage system adapted for storing items, such as toys. The system is in the form of a collapsible frame. The storage system comprises a game assembly and a plurality of baskets ,(6) which in use are Suspended within the frame and which support the items to be stored. The frame is foldable, comprising a plurality of legs ,(8) which are hingably linked at one distal end having feet (2, 4) which extend in the form of a square, or other shape, such that the assembly, in a freestanding position, is able to store a larger number of items on a lower tier, with tiers of decreasing in size towards the top of the storage system. An optional plate or support surface (10) is formed at the top of the storage system. The storage system may be supplied pre-assembled or in a kit form for self-assembly.

Description

A STORAGE SYSTEM

Background

This invention relates to a storage system, and more particularly to a collapsible storage rack or system for storage and/or display of items.

Prior Art

Currently available storage systems, whether for children's toys or other items; are generally closed systems; that is a Hd₁ door or drawer accesses them. If a storage system (such as a cupboard or wardrobe) is used by a child, the child's fingers can become trapped in doors or opening mechanisms. Also the closed nature of existing storage systems creates a 'blind' storage area or volume where children cannot readily see or find their toys; the time taken to find toys is therefore increased. This also applies to other items in storage systems whether used by children or adults.

Therefore these traditional storage systems are bulky, often taking up premium space. Moving such systems around the home, transporting them or storing them when not in use is not easy.

An object of the present invention is to provide a storage system which does not suffer from the aforementioned problems and which provides a cost effective and versatile storage system.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a storage system comprising: a frame assembly and at least one storage basket, wherein the frame assembly is foldable from a free-standing position to a collapsed position, and wherein the, or each, basket is attached to the frame assembly, such that in the free-standing position the, or each, basket hangs tiered within the space defined by the frame assembly.

The storage system may be supplied as a ready assembled system, partially assembled or with a set of parts and instructions for complete self- assembly.

An optional top surface is provided, preferably comprising a plurality of flat surfaces that fold when the system is collapsed for storage. These flat surfaces provide additional storage capability.

Baskets may be in the form of rigid woven structures or shelves or they may be loosely woven such as netting. Ideally baskets are removable and may be adjustable within the frame. The position of where baskets may be placed is ideally adjustable, for example, by way of removable clips that can be relocated at a number of different positions on the frame assembly.

Such an open storage system offers a convenient means for storing items such as toys, enabling children to easily see and find their chosen toy without the necessity of emptying the system, as is the case with cupboards, boxes or other covered storage systems. For example, when speed is required when tidying a room; toys can be placed quickly into the baskets, without the need to open doors or drawers. This also applies to other items to be stored, such as clothes or vegetables, not just children's toys.

The provision of varying sized baskets, in a tiered arrangement, maximises the storage capability of the system and leads to the storage system having a relatively small "footprint" for the storage capacity it provides. As children's bedrooms are often small rooms, the small width dimension is considered to be particularly advantageous.

The collapsible nature means the storage system is easily manoeuvrable and can be folded to a compact assembly convenient for transport or storage when not in use. An advantage with the storage system is that the woven netting tiered baskets do not have to be removed from the frame when it is collapsed.

Advantageously, there may be two, three, or preferably four, legs and the legs are connected together at one end distal from a support surface on which the storage system stands. Preferably the legs are so connected as to enable the legs to diverge from their connected ends towards the support surface, when the storage system is in the free-standing position. This arrangement provides a stable free-standing storage system in which different size and capacity baskets may be hung between the legs of the frame assembly, with larger baskets nearer the support surface.

The frame assembly preferably further comprises means for bracing the legs. Such bracing means improves the structural stability of the storage system. It is advantageous for the storage system to tend to resist inadvertent collapse as a result of incidental contact with surrounding obstacles. Ideally the, or each, brace is located at or near the foot of two or more legs and ahs a locking means.

The legs may be lockable in one or both of the free-standing position and the collapsed position.

Locking the legs in the freestanding position may provide an indicator, such as an audible click or visual signal - to the user - that the storage system has been erected and cannot fold or collapse. Locking the legs in the collapsed position prevents the legs moving out of the collapsed position during transportation of the storage system.

Conveniently, the legs may be of adjustable length. Increasing the length of the legs increases the height of the storage system and provides further room within the space defined by the frame assembly for additional baskets. The number of shelves that the system can receive, and therefore the amount of storage space provided by the system, can therefore be increased or decreased. In an alternative embodiment the legs may be provided as telescopic (retractable) legs which enable the storage system to be packed into a compact size, for easy transport, for example for use in touring or camping.

The position of at least one basket within the space defined by the frame assembly may be adjustable. Likewise the eccentricity of the frame may be varied.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment, for example, the frame may be relatively tall, with respect to its base area and have a relatively small footprint, whereas in another embodiment the frame may have a relatively larger footprint and be shorter. It will be appreciated that for some applications one type of storage system may be preferred over another.

The vertical offset of the baskets can be selected to allow suitable access to the baskets. It is preferable for the gap above a basket to be large enough for items to be easily placed in the basket, but not too large so as to unnecessarily reduce the storage efficiency of the system.

At least one basket may have a depth different to that of another basket.

This maximises the flexibility of the storage space and is beneficial when storing items of different sizes. By way of example only, the storage system may be employed as a display at point-of-sales (POS) in shops and may be used for storing and displaying a variety of items.

Optionally, the baskets are made of a flexible material or have elasticated connections to the frame. Baskets made from flexible material, such as cloth or net, are lightweight and may be compactly rolled up for convenient storage if/when removed from the frame assembly. Alternatively, the storage system may be adapted so that it can collapse for storage with the flexible baskets attached to the frame assembly. In a further alternative embodiment the storage system may be adapted to be located against and/or fixed to a wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of exemplary example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 1b is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a storage system wherein the baskets are loose woven netting;

Figure 2 shows the storage system of Figures 1a and 1b in a collapsed position;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a removable clip used in the storage system shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is an overall view of an alternative clip, shown on a leg of the storage system and showing a support cord or string of a basket (not shown);

Figure 5 is an overall view of the embodiment of the clip shown in Figure

4;

Figure 6 is an overall view of the reverse (hidden) side of the embodiment of the clip shown in Figures 4 and 5 shows first and second cross-head frame engagement portions;

Figure 7 is an overall part sectional view of the clip shown in Figure 4 on a leg of the storage system and shows part of a support cord or string of a basket (not shown); Figure 8 is a cross section of a top member or shelf of the storage devicβj in an open position; and

Figure 9 is a cross section of a top member or shelf shown in Figure 8 and shows the tpp member or shelf in a partially collapsed position.

Detailed description of Preferred embodiments

Figure 1a shows a storage system 2 comprising a frame assembly 4 and baskets 6. The baskets may be rigid. Four legs 8 are each pivotally attached to a top member or shelf 10. The top member 10 connects the ends of the legs distal from the support surface on which the storage system 2 stands to provide a stabilising connection, and provides a top shelf for the system. The legs selectively move between a free-standing position, as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, and a collapsed position illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 1b show an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which like parts bear the same reference numerals as Figure 1a. Baskets 6 are made from loose netting, which may be elasticated netting and are therefore adapted to fold to occupy a volume within the legs 8 of the frame when the frame is collapsed. Netting may be slung by way of string, cord or elastic and supported on clips within the frame. Alternatively baskets 6 may be supported on clips by passing a supporting cord around the legs 8.

Each leg 8 is hinged in such a way that inadvertent contact with the storage rack does not initiate its collapse. An optional spring-loaded detent mechanism (not shown) is held in full engagement in the free-standing position under normal forces. On overcoming the detent force, legs pop out of engagement and can be rotated about a pivot until the leg pops into a second detent position, namely the collapsed position of the storage system 2. With such hinge mechanisms, the storage system 2 is quick and easy to erect/collapse. For compactness on collapse of the storage system, top member or shelf

10 is formed with a central portion 12 and four wings 14. Each wing 14 defines a storage surface and is hinged so that the wing 14 may be folded down and inwards while the attached leg 8 pivots in the opposite sense. As shown in

Figure 2, this provides fpr a relatively compact collapsed position.

The length of each leg 8 is ideally adjustable; a sleeve member 16 is pivotally attached at one end to the top member or shelf 10 and an extension member 18 is slidably inserted within the sleeve member 16. Each extension member 18 may be extended from the end of the sleeve member 16 by sliding the extension member 18 within the sleeve member 16. The extension member 18 may then be locked in the desired position. The height of the storage system is thereby adjustable. If more storage space is required, the extension members 18 are extended from the ends of the sleeve members 16 and locked in position. Additional baskets 6 may then be hung from each leg 8, providing more storage space.

Each leg 8 is made of tubular construction of, for example, carbon fibre or moulded or blown plastic. Alternatively wood, metal or a metal alloy could be used to form the legs. Tubes are preferred because of their high strength and low weight advantages which lead to a storage system of durable construction and easy manoeuvrability. Other shapes including solid rods or angled sections, however, could be used.

Tubular cross-members 20 interconnect the legs 8, the cross-members 20 themselves being pivotally joined at a coupling 22. The bracing of these coupled cross-members 20 improve the structural stability of the storage system 2. The pivoting hinges of the cross-members 20 at the coupling 22 are arranged such that the cross-membejrs 20 fold upwards within the legs 8 of the frame assembly 4 as the storage system 2 is collapsed, as shown in Figure 2. This design leads to a compact arrangement of the storage system 2 in the collapsed position, aiding storage of the system when not in use. For simplicity the baskets are not shown in Figure 2.

Ideally feet 24 are provided on the legs 8, with a non-slip sole or lower surface (not shown). This prevents the storage system slipping on the support surface on which it stands.

Baskets 6 are fitted within the inner space of the frame assembly 4. Due to the diverging legs 8 of the frame assembly A, the baskets 6 increase in size from the high-tier baskets to those at the bottom.

The baskets 6 are situated so that they are readily accessible, i.e. the vertical offsets of the baskets are selected to allow suitable access to each basket. The gap above each basket should be large enough to allow items to be easily placed in the basket. However, the storage efficiency of the system should not be unnecessarily reduced by too large a vertical offset between baskets.

Each basket 6 is attached to each leg 8 by a clip 26 or other means. Each clip 26 is secured to a leg 8 and may be fixed at a particular height or may be slid along the length of the leg 8 to a desired position. As illustrated in Figure 3, clip 26 comprises a body 28 having a hole 30 in which a leg 8 is received. Two braced plastic hooks 32 together define an opening 34. A basket 6 is attached to the clip 26 by passing a basket support cord (not shown) between synthetic plastics hooks 32 until the loop is held in the opening 34. In this way, each basket 6 is secured to the legs 8 in an easily detachable manner.

The baskets 6 are ideally formed from a loosely woven netting material or net. Netting material enables items in the baskets to be easily seen. Such flexible material also allows the baskets to be removed from the frame assembly and packed away or rolled up for convenient storage when not in use. Alternatively the netting material may be clipped outside the legs 8 of the frame so that they remain as an integral part of the storage system. The flexible nature of netting material also allows the storage system to be collapsed without removing the baskets 6 from the frame assembly. It is also advantageous, particularly when used by a child, for the baskets or the frame assembly to have no sharp points, corners or edges.

Having now described an embodiment of the invention, it will be understood by the skilled person that numerous modifications can be made to it. The baskets may function to limit divergence of the legs in the free-standing position. The baskets 6 may also act to brace the storage system against inadvertent collapse. Some of these, alternative features, are now described with specific reference to the embodiments of clips and supports shown in Figures 4 to 9.

Figure 4 shows a basket clip 260 on a leg 8 of a storage system in accordance with the invention. The basket clip 260, shown in detail in Figure 5, comprises a substantially horizontal channel 262 in which a basket support cord

7 is held. The basket support cord 7 is held in place within the channel by lugs 264 which protrude into the channel 262 from the upper and lower edges of the channel 262. Lugs 264 may be arranged such that a force threshold must be exceeded to remove the support cord 7 from the channel 262, for example, by squeezing the support cord 7 between the lugs 264.

The basket clip 260 is shaped such that, when the clip 260 is attached to the leg 8, the base perimeter 266 of the clip 260 lies in close proximity to the leg

8 at all points along its length. The basket clip 260 is dimensioned and arranged not only to provide a smooth design appealing to the eye, but also allows easy placing of the basket support cord 7 in the channel 262, without having any sharp or obtrusive edges which may catch or snag anything. The support cord 7 may be slid over the leg, onto the curved outer surface 268 of the clip 260 and into the channel 262, without catching on sharp edges or the base perimeter 266 between the clip 260 and leg 8. Other items are also prevented from being inadvertently caught between the clip 260 and leg 8 during use or transportation of the storage system 2. As shown in Figure 6, two cross-head frame engagement portions 270 are provided on the reverse side of basket clip 260. The frame engagement portions 270 interconnect with corresponding holes 271 provided in the legs 8 of the storage system, as illustrated in Figure 7. The provision of at least two frame engagement portions 270 or a non-circular frame engagement portion 270 with non-circular corresponding holes 271 prevents the clip 260 rotating while attached to leg 8. Holes may be located at different positions along the legs.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate respectively a shelf 210 in an open (flat) position when the system is erected and semi-closed position, when the system is folded for storage. Top member (referred to as item 10 in Figures 1 and 2) acts a shelf

210 which in use, sits atop the storage system and provides an additional storage surface. The shelf 210 comprises parts 272, 274 hinged about pivot 276.

The portions lock into an open position by virtue of catch 278 and hole 280. The catch 278 provides a detent whose resistance must be overcome in order to rotate part 274 about pivot 276 from the open position to a closed (folded) position.

While net or fabric baskets have the advantage of being lightweight and take up little storage room when not in use, the baskets may be rigid, made from synthetic resin or moulded plastic, for example. In one embodiment the frame of the assembly and support surfaces are water resistant and adapted to be used in an outdoor environment. In this embodiment it will be appreciated that the system is ideally suited to receive a number of hanging baskets for flowers or other vegetation. An advantage of the hollow legs is that they are able to receive a hose or other conduit for delivering water an irrigation system.

The basket clips may be removably attached to the frame assembly, allowing both the baskets and the clips to be removed from the frame assembly.

Although the version of the storage system depicted in Figure 1 has three baskets, the version shown in Figure 2 has four baskets. Preferably the storage system ideally has one to five baskets, however it will be understood that versions whfch have six or more baskets will also fall within the scope of the invention.

The storage system may be formed from a brightly coloured material or may incorporate a decorative pattern or manufactured from natural (or organic) material with no colouring - or made from clear resin. The top member may be provided with a handle to help transport of the storage system.

The feet of the frame assembly may comprise wheels to further assist easy movement of the storage system. The feet may be provided with means, such as wheel brakes, to prevent undesired movement of the storage system.

Alternatively, or in addition to brakes, the feet may be supplied with anti- slip surfaces.

The frame assembly may have a tripod structured Alternatively, flexible legs may be used to form a dome structure.

The legs of the frame assembly may be provided in the form of an X- frame, consisting of a crossing pair of support legs at each side. Each pair of such support legs is pivotally coupled at the mid-section. Lower ends of the legs, which extend from the mid-sections, can selectively diverge into a free-standing configuration or stand substantially parallel to each other in a collapsed position.

While the use of the storage system has been described with reference to a toy storage system, it will be understood that the storage system may be used for goods other than toys, such as food or clothes and that other variations to the embodiments described may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

It will be understood that many other arrangements of frame assembly may be employed and in a myriad of applications. For example, the legs may not collapse inwards towards each other, but may fold concertina-wise into a collapsed position. Similarly the storage system may be supplied pre-assembled or in a self-assembly kit.

Alternatively, means may be provided to receive a marker flag or umbrella at the apex of the storage frame for display purposes. As a result of its open structure the storage system is felt to be ideal for point-of-sale material and merchandise.

Claims

1. A storage system comprising: a frame assembly and at least one storage basket, wherein the frame assembly is foldable from a free-standing position to a collapsed position, and wherein the, or each, basket is attached to the frame assembly, such that in the free-standing position the, or each, basket hangs tiered within the space defined by the frame assembly.

2. A storage system according to claim 1 includes a plurality of baskets.

3. A storage system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the frame assembly and baskets are supplied in a disassembled state for self-assembly.

4. A storage system according to Claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein baskets or ⁰ shelves are removable.

5. A storage system according to any preceding Claim wherein adjustable clips, capable of being displaced with respect to the frame, are provided for adjustable location of a basket within the frame.

6. A storage system according to any preceding Claim having at least 3 legs hingably connected by a support.

7. A storage system according to Claim 6 having 4 legs, the foot of each leg being substantially at the apex of a corner of a square.

8. A storage assembly system according to any preceding claim including a bracing means for locking the legs in an erect position.

9. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein the legs are of an adjustable length which permit the height of the storage system to be increased or decreased.

10. A storage system according to Claim 9 wherein the legs are telescopic.

11.A storage system according to any preceding Claim wherein the baskets or shelves are defined by a woven structure which, in use, is substantially dish shaped.

12. A storage system according to any preceding Claim wherein at least one top member is provided for defining a storage surface.

13.A storage system according to Claim 12 wherein the, or each, top member is foldable by way of a hinge.

14. A storage assembly system substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.