Foldable Storage Apparatus

Disclosed is a foldable storage apparatus. The foldable storage apparatus comprises a sheet having an initial flat configuration. The sheet comprises a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents. The foldable storage apparatus also comprises first and second couplers supported by the sheet and operable to secure at least two sections of the sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume. The foldable storage apparatus further comprises an elongate tail extending from the receiving portion and operable to substantially enclose the capture volume and secure the contents therein.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/365,953, filed Jul. 20, 2010, and entitled, “Foldable Storage Apparatus,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage devices, and more specifically to foldable storage devices, such as bags, sacks, carriers, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

A wide variety of storage devices are available to store a wide variety of items. Often, storage devices are used not only for storage, but also for transport. Some items to be stored and transported can be unwieldy and difficult to put into storage devices. For example, a collection of leaves, sticks, or other yard debris, climbing rope, camping gear such as a tents or sleeping bags, or other such items can be difficult to contain within storage devices and transported. Thus, there is a need for a storage device that can be configured to easily receive and store unwieldy items and then transport these with minimal difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by providing a foldable storage apparatus.

In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention resides in a foldable storage apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the foldable storage apparatus comprises a sheet having an initial substantially flat configuration, the sheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents. In another aspect of the present invention, the foldable storage apparatus comprises first and second couplers supported by the sheet and operable to secure at least two sections of the sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume. In a further aspect of the present invention, the foldable storage apparatus comprises an elongate tail portion extending from the receiving portion that is operable to substantially enclose the capture volume and secure the contents therein.

In another aspect, the present invention resides in a foldable storage apparatus comprising a sheet having an initial flat configuration, the sheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents, and an elongate tail portion extending from the receiving portion; at least one coupler that couples at least two sections of the sheet together about the contents so as to at least partially define a capture volume; and at least one coupler that couples the tail portion to a backside of the sheet about the contents to substantially enclose the capture volume and secure the contents.

In still another aspect, the present invention resides in a foldable storage apparatus comprising a sheet having an initial flat configuration, the sheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents; first and second couplers supported by the sheet and operable to secure at least two sections of the sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume; and an elongate tail extending from the receiving portion and operable to substantially enclose the capture volume and secure the contents therein.

In still a further aspect, the present invention resides in a method of storing an item, comprising disposing one or more contents on a receiving portion of a sheet, the sheet being in a substantially flat configuration; coupling a first coupler of the sheet to a second coupler of the sheet to secure two sections of the sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume; and enclosing the capture volume and securing the contents therein with an elongate tail extending from the receiving portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus configured to at least partially define a capture volume in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 1 in an initial flat configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back side of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 1 in an initial flat configuration;

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in an initial flat configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in an initial flat configuration in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in an initial flat configuration in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in an initial flat configuration in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a coupler of a foldable storage apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in a first step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in a second step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in a third step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6D illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in a fourth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of the fourth step of storing an item shown in FIG. 6D in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in a fifth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in a sixth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in a seventh step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7E illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in an eighth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7F illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 6A in a ninth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in a first step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 8A in a second step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 8A in a third step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8D illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 8A in a fourth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in a first step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 9A in a second step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 9A in a third step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9D illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG. 9A in a fourth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate a foldable storage apparatus in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as well as various steps within a method for storing an item within the foldable storage apparatus; and

FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate further steps in the method of storing an item within the foldable storage apparatus of FIGS. 10-A-10E.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.

The present invention describes an apparatus and method for storing items using a storage apparatus. The storage apparatus may comprise a sheet that may be placed flat on a surface, such as a ground surface. The sheet may include a receiving portion for receiving contents, or items to be stored. The storage apparatus may also comprise couplers supported by the sheet. The couplers may be operable to secure at least two section of the sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume. The storage apparatus may further comprise an elongate tail extending from the receiving portion. The tail may be operable with the secured two sections to substantially enclose the capture volume and secure the contents therein.

The present invention provides several significant advantages over prior related storage devices, some of which are recited here and throughout the following more detailed description. First, the storage apparatus can be configured in a number of different configurations, wherein the storage apparatus can initially accept and subsequently secure unwieldy storage items that may be difficult to handle and maneuver. Second, the storage apparatus can accommodate a wide variety of storage item shapes and sizes as its capture volume is defined at least in part by the item to be secured therein.

Each of the above-recited advantages will be apparent in light of the detailed description set forth below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These advantages are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other advantages may be realized, other than those specifically recited herein, upon practicing the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a foldable storage apparatus 10. In the figure, the foldable storage apparatus 10 is shown configured to at least partially define a capture volume 16. The foldable storage apparatus 10 may comprise a sheet 11, which may include a broad, thin configuration and surface and may be flexible enough to be foldable into a configuration that defines a capture volume 16. For example, a sheet 11 may include natural and/or synthetic materials such as polymers, nylon, canvas, cotton, etc.

The sheet 11 may comprise a number of different shapes or configurations, such as the one shown in FIGS. 2, 4A-4D, 8A, and 10A. However, these particular embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way as those skilled in the art will recognize that sheet 11 may comprise other shapes and configurations other than those specifically shown herein.

Couplers 43, 44 may be supported by the sheet and may be operable to secure two sections of the sheet together to at least partially define the capture volume 16. In the figure, the capture volume 16 is shown containing contents 18. Contents 18 may be leaves, grass, gravel, twigs, sticks, rocks, trash, rope, tools, sports equipment, camping gear, or any other item or combination of items that may be contained by the capture volume 16. It should be noted that the configuration shown in the figure may be useful for adding and/or removing contents from the foldable storage apparatus 10.

The contents 18 in the capture volume 16 may be enclosed and secured by a tail or tail portion 30 of the foldable storage apparatus 10. In the figure, tail 30 is shown secured by holders 35 and 36 to a ground surface. Holders may be used to secure various portions of the foldable storage apparatus 10 to a ground surface to facilitate collection and capture of contents 18, as discussed in more detail below. The tail 30 may be elongate and may extend from a receiving portion 20 of the sheet 11. The tail 30 may also be operable to substantially enclose the capture volume 16 and secure the contents 18 therein. Each of these features and elements is discussed in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, and with continuing reference to FIG. 1, illustrated is a top side 12 (FIG. 2) and a bottom side 14 (FIG. 3) of the foldable storage apparatus 10. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet 11 of the foldable storage apparatus 10 is shown as being in a flat configuration. FIG. 2 illustrates possible placement of holders 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 that may be used to secure the foldable storage apparatus 10 to a ground surface to facilitate collection and capture of contents. Holders may comprise stakes, pegs, spikes, rocks, weights, or any other object or device that can secure at least a portion (e.g. an edge) of the foldable storage apparatus to a ground surface. It should be noted that use of holders is optional and the holders may be selectively used in any situation where they may be advantageous, or selectively removed if desired.

Any of sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 may be brought and coupled together to define, at least partially, a capture volume 16. In certain embodiments, sections 1 and 2 may be lateral sections and sections 3 and 4 may be longitudinal sections. Couplers may be used to couple the sections together. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, couplers 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 61, 71, and 81 may be located on the top side of the foldable storage apparatus 10. Alternatively, any or all of these couplers may be located on the bottom side 14 of the foldable storage apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, couplers 52, 53, 62, 63, 72, 73, 74, 82, 83, and 84 may be located on the bottom side 14 of the foldable storage apparatus 10. The couplers located on the bottom side 14 may provide different options for sizing the capture volume 16. For example, connecting coupler 51 to coupler 53 may create a smaller capture volume than connecting coupler 51 to coupler 52. Similarly, connecting coupler 71 to coupler 74 may create a smaller capture volume than connecting coupler 71 to coupler 72.

Couplers may comprise ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps, or any other suitable mechanism or configuration for coupling sections of the storage apparatus together. Likewise, means for securing at least two sections of a sheet together may comprise various couplers in the form of ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps, or any other suitable mechanism or configuration for securing at least two sections of the sheet together.

Similarly, means for securing the tail portion to the backside of the sheet may comprise various couplers in the form of ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps, or any other suitable mechanism or configuration. In a particular embodiment, a coupler or means for securing may comprise a relatively narrow and elongated portion of the foldable storage apparatus 10 itself that is sufficient to engage another like coupler or means for securing, wherein the two may be secured together, such as to be tied into a knot, as exemplified by couplers 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 61, 71, and 81. For example, any one of the aforementioned couplers may be configured to form a knot with any other coupler of the foldable storage apparatus 10, including couplers 52, 53, 62, 63, 72, 73, 74, 82, 83, and 84, which may comprise ties or straps connected to the back side 14 of the foldable storage apparatus 10.

In the embodiment shown, couplers 41 and 42 may connect sections 1 and 2 together. Additionally, or in the alternative, couplers 43 and 44 may connect sections 1 and 2 together. Connecting sections of the sheet together functions to create a three-dimensional structure to at least partially define the capture volume 16. Furthermore, couplers 51 and 61 may connect with couplers 52 and 62, respectively, to secure section 3 to sections 1 and 2 and to further define the capture volume 16. The result of this may be as shown in FIG. 1, where the capture volume 16 is substantially closed, with an opening oriented toward the tail 30.

In certain embodiments, the tail 30 may be elongate such that its width has a dimension at least as wide as between one fifth and one half of its length. In one embodiment, the tail 30 may be a part of the sheet 11. In other words, the tail 30 and the sheet 11 can form a unitary structure. In another embodiment, the tail may be independent or separate from the sheet. In this example, the tail may be removably coupled to the receiving portion of the sheet. In a certain aspect, the tail may comprise a sheet-like configuration, although it is not a part of the sheet 11. In certain other aspects, the tail may be a cord, rope, tie, or any other configuration that may function in a similar manner to secure contents in the foldable storage apparatus.

In some embodiments, a handle 22 and/or shoulder straps 24 may be attached to the sheet 11 to aid in lifting, carrying, or maneuvering the foldable storage apparatus 10. In certain embodiments, the foldable storage apparatus may include a compression mechanism to compress the foldable storage apparatus and its contents into a more compact configuration. For example, a compression mechanism may include straps, mesh, webbing, elastics, etc. that functions to compress or further compress the foldable storage apparatus defining, at least in part, the capture volume. The compression mechanism may be separate from the storage apparatus, it may be secured to the outside of the storage apparatus, it may compress all or a portion of the storage apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, illustrated are different embodiments of a foldable storage apparatus. FIG. 4A shows a foldable storage apparatus 100 and depicts couplers 141, 142, 143, 144, 151, 161, 171, and 181 as being configured to have a more pronounced narrow and elongated portion than the couplers shown in FIGS. 1-3 that may be easier to grasp and tie. In addition, the receiving portion 120 comprises an octagon-like shape, with some of the edges being curved, and the tail portion 130 being integrally formed with the receiving portion 120.

FIG. 4B depicts a foldable storage apparatus 200 as having couplers 245, 246, 247, and 248 in addition to couplers 241, 242, 243, 244, 251, 261, 271, and 281. The additional couplers may provide more coupling options and may be used to enhance the security or integrity of the foldable storage apparatus 200 when containing storage items or contents. It should be noted that use of any given coupler or group of couplers of a foldable storage apparatus may be optional and they may be used selectively as needed to secure or contain storage contents. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 220 comprises an octagon-like shape, with some of the edges being curved, with the tail portion 230 being integrally formed with the receiving portion 220 and comprising a longer length than the tail portion shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows another exemplary foldable storage apparatus 300 and depicts couplers 341, 342, 343, 344, 351, 361, 371, and 381 as comprising magnetic or adhesive strips. Also shown in this embodiment is a defined and indicated target area 321 for depositing storage items or contents. Target area 321 may include multiple boundaries, markings or other indicia evident on a surface of the sheet that may indicate an acceptable placement and/or amount of storage contents. For example, storage apparatus 300 may include target area 321 that may indicate a maximum or suggested outer boundary of a pile of leaves that can be contained by the storage apparatus when in a storage configuration. The receiving portion 320 comprises somewhat of a diamond shape, with curved edges and a curved top edge. The receiving portion 320 is integrally formed with a tail portion 330 having a curved bottom edge, and two outer curving portions.

FIG. 4D shows foldable storage apparatus 400 and depicts couplers 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 451, 461, 471, and 481. Couplers 451 and 461 may be configured to function as “drawstrings.” For example, couplers 451 and 461 may be connected to the storage apparatus at ends 448 and 449, respectively, and may be routed about and free to move along edges 446 and 447, respectively. Thus, pulling on free ends of couplers 451 and 461 may “cinch” up the storage apparatus and further define the capture volume and the overall storage volume. This may enhance the security or integrity of the foldable storage apparatus 400 when containing storage items or contents. The receiving portion 420 comprises a diamond-like shape and tail portion 430 similar to that shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates one type of coupler in the form of an adhesive strip 540. The adhesive strip 540 may be covered by a protective covering until used. The adhesive strip 540 may be coupled to another coupler or it may be coupled to a portion (e.g., a surface) of the foldable storage apparatus. In some embodiments, the adhesive strips may be reusable.

In a related embodiment, a method of storing an item within a foldable storage apparatus in accordance with the principles discussed and taught herein is shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. The method comprises disposing one or more contents 618 on a receiving portion 620 of a sheet, the sheet initially being in a flat configuration, as shown in FIG. 6A. As shown in the figure, the foldable storage apparatus may be secured to a ground surface by holders 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, and 638, which may be located at or near the edges of the storage apparatus and/or the couplers 651, 661, 642, 644, 681, 671, 643, and 641, respectively. In the following method steps, the holders may be selectively removed or released to allow various sections to be brought together, and to facilitate various couplers to couple together.

The method further comprises coupling a first coupler 641 of the sheet to a second coupler 642 of the sheet to secure two sections 601, 602 of the sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume 616, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. In one aspect, shown in FIG. 6D, the method may comprise coupling a third coupler 651 of the sheet to a fourth coupler 652 of the sheet to secure a third section 603 of the sheet to the first section 601 and/or second section 602 of the sheet, to further define the capture volume 616. It should be noted that the configuration shown in FIG. 6D may be useful for adding and/or removing contents from the foldable storage apparatus 600 as the capture volume is only substantially closed. In this configuration, items may be inserted or removed through the formed opening.

It should also be noted that, in another embodiment, the first coupler may be coupler 643 and the second coupler may be coupler 644. In another aspect, the third coupler may be coupler 661 and the fourth coupler may be coupler 662. In still another embodiment, illustrated in the figures, couplers 641 and 643 may connect with couplers 642 and 644, respectively. Further, couplers 651 and 661 may connect with couplers 652 and 662, respectively, to further define the capture volume. In still another aspect, couplers 651 and 661 may connect with couplers 653 and 663, respectively. In this example, the coupler combination may define a capture volume that is less than the capture volume created in the previous example. In yet another embodiment, couplers 651 and 661 may connect with couplers 652 and 663, or 653 and 662, respectively. This may define a capture volume of an asymmetric shape to better accommodate an asymmetric item or contents.

As shown in the figures, couplers 652, 653, 662, and 663 may be located on a back or bottom side of the sheet. Thus, in one aspect, the method may further comprise connecting a first longitudinal portion 603 of the sheet to a back side of the sheet. In certain embodiments, a sheet may not include couplers 652, 653, 662, and 663 on the back side of the sheet. Thus, in this embodiment, the first longitudinal portion 603 may be connected to the back side of the sheet using only coupler 651 and/or coupler 661.

This illustrates that, depending on the type of coupler, couplers need not be utilized in pairs, as one coupler may be sufficient to couple to a portion of the sheet without a mating coupler. Thus, couplers may be connected in a variety of ways to secure contents in the foldable storage apparatus.

The method of storing an item is further shown in FIGS. 7A-7F. FIG. 7A shows a side view of the configuration represented in FIG. 6D. Additionally, the method may comprise enclosing the capture volume and securing the contents therein with an elongate tail 630 extending from the receiving portion. This is illustrated in FIGS. 7B-7F, as the capture volume 616 of the storage apparatus 600 is moved, or in this case rolled, in a direction 621 toward the tail 630 of the storage apparatus 600. Alternatively, the tail may be moved in a direction toward the capture volume of the storage apparatus to enclose the opening and the capture volume and secure the contents. In yet another alternative, the tail and the capture volume may be moved toward each other to enclose the capture volume and secure the contents. In one aspect, the method may comprise connecting a second longitudinal portion 604 to a back or bottom side of the sheet. In another aspect, enclosing the capture volume and securing the contents may comprise rolling the capture volume toward the second longitudinal portion 604. Still further, the method may comprise compressing the capture volume using a compression mechanism on an exterior of the sheet. In yet another aspect, the method may comprise grasping a handle or shoulder strap attached to the sheet. In any event, the elongate tail operates to close the capture volume by folding with or about the portions of the sheet forming the partially enclosed capture volume.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate another method of storing an item in accordance with the principles herein. This method may be considered an alternative to the method shown in FIGS. 6A-6D and may, therefore, be followed by the method shown in FIGS. 7A-7F. As shown in the figures, the foldable storage apparatus 700 may be secured to a ground surface by holders 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, and 738, which may be located at or near couplers 742, 744, 781, 771, 743, and 741, respectively. In the following method steps, the holders may be selectively removed to allow various couplers to couple together.

Illustrated in this embodiment, the method comprises coupler 743 connected to coupler 742 to at least partially define a capture volume 716 of the storage apparatus 700. This may be followed by connecting coupler 741 to coupler 744 to further define the capture volume. This may result in portions of sections 701 and 702 being connected across each other, for example in a diagonal or criss-cross manner. For certain items, this may be advantageous for storage or containment of the items. Also illustrated in this embodiment, is section (or longitudinal portion) 703 with coupler 750. In this embodiment, section 703 may be moved or folded to further define the capture volume 716 with coupler 750 coupled to at least a portion of the diagonal or criss-cross portions of sections 701 and 702. It should be noted that the configuration shown in FIG. 8D may be useful for adding and/or removing contents from the foldable storage apparatus 700. Alternatively, section 703 may not include a coupler. In this case, section 703 may be held in place by the tail 730 when the tail 730 is coupled to a back side of the sheet with couplers 771 and 781.

FIGS. 8A-8D further illustrate a foldable storage apparatus 700 formed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, wherein receiving portion 720 comprises a plurality of opposing curved edges, and an integrally formed elongated tail portion 730 also comprising curved edges.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate yet another method of storing an item in accordance with the principles herein. Similar to the method shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, this method may be considered an alternative to the method shown in FIGS. 6A-6D and may, therefore, be followed by the method shown in FIGS. 7A-7F. This embodiment illustrates, among other things, a foldable storage apparatus comprised of multiple sheets or individual pieces of material. In this example, the tail 830 is attached to the receiving portion 620 of the storage apparatus 800 at 811. The attachment may be achieved by sewing, gluing, welding, tacking, pinning, riveting, or any other suitable attachment. The attachment 811 illustrates one example of an attachment configuration. The configuration of the attachment 811 is not to be restricted and may be configured in any manner that allows the following method steps to be performed. This example also illustrates an alternative arrangement of sections that may be coupled, as shown particularly by the presence and location of section 860.

As shown in the figures, the foldable storage apparatus 800 may be secured to a ground surface by holders 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, and 838, which may be located at or near couplers 842, 844, 881, 871, 843, and 841, respectively. In the following method steps, the holders may be selectively removed to allow various couplers to couple together.

Illustrated in this embodiment, the method comprises coupler 843 connected to coupler 842 to at least partially define a capture volume 816 of the storage apparatus 800. This may be followed by connecting coupler 841 to coupler 844 to further define the capture volume. This may result in portions of sections 801 and 802 being connected across each other, for example in a diagonal or criss-cross manner. Also illustrated in this embodiment, are sections (or longitudinal portions) 803 and 804 with couplers 850 and 860, respectively. In this embodiment, sections 803 and 804 may be moved or folded to further define the capture volume 816 with coupler 850 coupled to coupler 860. It should be noted that the configuration shown in FIG. 9C may be useful for adding and/or removing contents from the foldable storage apparatus 800. Alternatively, sections 803 and 804 may not include couplers. In this case, sections 803 and 804 may be tucked under criss-crossed portions and/or held in place by the tail 830 when the tail 830 is coupled to a back side of the sheet with couplers 871 and 881.

Illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10E is a foldable storage apparatus 900 formed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. In this particular embodiment, the receiving portion 920 and the tail portion 930 each comprise a pair of extensions (see extensions 992 and 994 extending from the receiving portion 920; and extensions 996 and 998 extending from the tail portion 930), such that when portions of the receiving portion are brought together and secured to one another to form a capture volume 916 as shown in FIGS. 10B-10D, the extensions 992 and 994 may be positioned as shown in FIG. 10D. Subsequently, the extensions 992 and 994 may be wrapped around the portions of the receiving portion 920 secured together, and the formed capture volume 916 as shown in FIG. 10E. The method for forming the capture volume 916 and securing together portions of the receiving portion, or rather the method for storing an item, may be similar to that described above, and shown in FIGS. 6A-6D or FIGS. 8A-8D. Even though not shown here, the foldable storage apparatus 900 may comprise similar coupling devices or systems as described above.

The extensions 992 and 994 function to form a more secure capture volume 916, and to reduce the chance of the portions of the receiving portion that are secured together from coming apart or separating from one another. The extensions 992 and 994 may be any size or shape as needed or desired.

In addition, although not shown, the receiving portion 920 may comprise additional extension portions that are configured to provide a similar wrapping and securing function.

FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate further steps for storing an item with the foldable storage apparatus 900 similar to those described above and shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, with the difference being that the extensions 996 and 998 extending from the tail portion 930 (see FIG. 10A), may be secured around the entire folded apparatus once the receiving portion 920 and the formed capture volume 916 are folded about the tail portion 930, as shown in FIG. 11F.

With reference again to FIG. 10A, the extensions 992, 994, 996 and 998 may further comprise one or more couplings that are associated therewith, similar to those described above, that may be used to secure the extensions to other portions of the foldable storage apparatus 900.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodiments having modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detailed description. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the foregoing detailed description or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably, but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.

Claims

1. A foldable storage apparatus comprising:

a sheet having an initial flat configuration, said sheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents, and an elongate tail portion extending from said receiving portion;
at least one coupler that couples at least two sections of said sheet together about said contents so as to at least partially define a capture volume; and
at least one coupler that couples said tail portion to a backside of said sheet about said contents to substantially enclose said capture volume and secure said contents therein.

2. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said couplers are selected from the group consisting of ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps, drawstrings, and combinations thereof.

3. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said couplers comprise a narrow elongated portion of the foldable storage apparatus that engages another narrow elongated portion, wherein the elongated portion and the another elongated portion are secured together.

4. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a holder to secure a portion of said foldable storage apparatus to a ground surface to facilitate collection and capture of said contents.

5. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 4, wherein the holder is selected from the group consisting of a stake, a peg, spikes, a rock, a weight, and combinations thereof.

6. A foldable storage apparatus comprising:

a sheet having an initial flat configuration, said sheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents;
first and second couplers supported by said sheet and operable to secure at least two sections of said sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume; and
a tail extending from said receiving portion and operable to substantially enclose said capture volume and secure said contents therein.

7. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein said first and second couplers are selected from the group consisting of ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps, drawstrings, and combinations thereof.

8. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of said first and second couplers is located on at least one of a top side and a bottom side of said foldable storage apparatus.

9. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein said tail is elongate such that a width of said tail has a dimension at least as wide as between one fifth and one half of a length of said tail.

10. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein said tail is removably coupled to said receiving portion.

11. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein said tail is selected from the group consisting of a sheet-like configuration, a cord, a rope, a tie, and combinations thereof.

12. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one of a handle and a shoulder strap.

13. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a compression mechanism to compress the foldable storage apparatus and its contents into a more compact configuration.

14. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a third coupler to provide an additional coupling option.

15. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of said receiving portion and said tail comprise at least one extension that operates to wrap around and secure to another portion of said foldable storage apparatus.

16. A method of storing an item, comprising:

disposing one or more contents on a receiving portion of a sheet, the sheet being in a substantially flat configuration;
coupling a first coupler of said sheet to a second coupler of said sheet to secure two sections of said sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume; and
enclosing said capture volume and securing said contents therein with an elongate tail extending from said receiving portion.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

securing said sheet to a ground surface with a holder; and
selectively removing said holder to allow coupling of said first coupler to said second coupler.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling a third coupler of said sheet to a fourth coupler of said sheet to secure a third section of said sheet to at least one of said first section and said second section of said sheet, to further define said capture volume.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting a first longitudinal portion of said sheet to a back side of said sheet.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising connecting a second longitudinal portion to at least one of said back side of said sheet and a bottom side of said sheet.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein portions of said two sections of said sheet are connected across each other.

Patent History
Publication number: 20120018428
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 20, 2011
Publication Date: Jan 26, 2012
Inventor: Eric Norman (Salt Lake City, UT)
Application Number: 13/187,125
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Folding (220/6); Filling Preformed Receptacle And Closing (53/467)
International Classification: B65D 6/00 (20060101); B65B 5/00 (20060101);