Portable, Universally fitting, lockable container that attaches to fixed objects to store valuables

Abstract

A portable, universally fitting, stylish, lockable security box that integrally affixes to a fixed object, such as, a frame support of a beach lounge chair. The security includes a main top component and a main bottom component which hinge together with an integral hinge and lock over a fixed object employing an integral hasp or integral locking mechanism. An integral fame support cavity is part of the main two components that provides a simple and unique design. The design of the support cavity makes decorative universal fit a reality.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a safe for securing valuables and more particularly to a portable lock box that may be secured to a fixed object. It has long been known that when people are at a place of relaxation (beach, pool, camp, amusement park, or other outdoor activity) people always wonder if their valuables are safe and secure. This invention is the simplest way to secure valuables to a fixed object in a stylish, universal fit, specially designed lock box. This invention will eliminate the need to worry about your valuables when you go for a swim where previously one would hide objects in sneakers or under ones towel.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

In general the concept of having a lock box that attaches to a fixed object is known. The following patents and Patent applications are illustrative of the known prior art in this area.

1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,395 issued to Boole in 1977 for “Portable Drawer Assembly”.

2. U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,858 issued to Wu in 2007 for “ security box”

3. U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,332 issued to Ma in 1986 for “Portable Security box”

4. U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,933 issued to Shai in 2009 for “Portable tool box locker”

5. U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,671 issued to Kerr in 2000 for “Lock box”

6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,082 issued to Wolk in 1996 for “Portable Security Case”

7. U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,390 issued to McGinley in 1990 for “Safety Locker Drawer for use with a chair”

8. U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,491 issued to Lokken in 1987 for “Portable Travel Safe”

9. U.S. Pat. No. 2,755,748 issued to Abell in 1953 for “Portable Lock box”

The above examples are all similar in concept but lack simplicity which is the key element which our invention has been created with. Cable locks, Sliding trays, complex mounting mechanisms, multiple component assemblies, and material subject to degradation are all prior innovations which have proved to show product mass appeal failure. This new invention utilizes innovative features to solve the problem by completely redesigning the solution.

Typically safes are meant to be permanent objects which are highly impermeable to restricted users. In certain instances there is a need to have a portable box to store your valuables while you are swimming, enjoying recreational activities, or relaxing on beach or pool lounge chairs. It is common that people carry valuables such as cell phones, watches, wallets, glasses, room keys, etc with them when they decide to go for a swim. Prior to our invention one had to use a complex lock box with a chain or mounting brackets to store their valuables. The other option was to hide your “stuff” under a towel and hope they are there when you get back. These prior inventions have proven difficult to bring to market due to material problems, complexity, and high cost. A simplified design with innovative features has been an invention that has been desired in the marketplace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Lounge chair lock box product is specifically designed to store valuables at the beach or pool. The lock box self-fastens to a lounge chair with our unique, one-of-a kind design. The box opens up and closes over a bar of a lounge chair frame then locks. The support cavity universally fits on all lounge chair bar frames up to 2″×2.5″ square or 2″ round bar. This unique lock box is completely portable and allows the owner to transport it to and from the beach or pool. This lock box is not designed to be permanently fixated to anything or screwed down in any fashion. It is designed to be brought to and from the beach or pool, filled with any valuables of allowable size that the owner would like to secure, enclosed over any bar that is part of the lounge chair and locked using the locking mechanism that comes with the lock box (ex. Integral Briefcase Lock) or external padlock. This product was designed to provide a level of security at the beach or pool so that the owner can leave the stored items unattended and not have to worry about them as they would if the same items were left out in the open. This lock box is a theft deterrent and if used properly, should decrease the probability that valuables are stolen at the beach or pool. This is the first creation of a beach or pool lock box that is completely portable and specifically designed to be temporarily fixated to lounge chairs by means of an integral cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates the two main components of the lockable storage container.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view from the back of the two main components of the lockable storage container.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of both main components when assembled.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of both main components when assembled.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of both main components when assembled.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of both main components when assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the lockable storage container has a top component 1 which connects to the bottom component 2 by means of an integrally attached hinge 3 which works by tapping in one tapered pin into each side. The top component 1 hinges to close on component 2 and a hasp 4,5 comes together to be locked with a padlock securing valuables inside. Alternatively the lockable storage container can have an integral briefcase style lock permanently attached to component 1 and component 2 to replace the need for hasps 4,5 depending on market demand.

FIG. 2 depicts the view of our two main components 1,2 from a rear view. This view shows four drainage holes 6 in the bottom of component 2 to allow for drainage if compartment of component 2 gets wet. FIG. 2 also shows six square boxes 7 on the rear of component 2 which are carved out and can be punched through to create a place where fasteners may be affixed if deemed necessary to a consumer. FIG. 2 also shows our innovative universal clasping cavity 8 that will secure itself onto lounge chair frames or other fixed object.

FIG. 3 shows an assembled portable, universally fitting, lockable container that attaches to fixed objects to store valuables. FIG. 3 shows the two main components previously described, clasp area 4-5, and a front view of the universal clasping cavity that runs through the invention allowing room for various sized lounge chair frame bars.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the invention. It shows the support cavity 8, assembled hinge assembly 3, and a side view of the hasp 4-5.

FIG. 5 shows the rear view of the assembled invention. It particularly depicts the hinge assembly 3, and the six square punch out holes 7 for manual bracket installation if deemed necessary by the user.

FIG. 6 shows the top view of the invention. This view shows the support cavity 8 running all the way through the invention which allows for the fixed object to center its gravitational pull to the middle of the invention eliminating lopsidedness. It also shows the hinge assembly 3 and the hasp pieces 4-5.

Claims

1. A portable, lockable container adapted to engage a frame support of a chair, the lockable container comprising:

a top component and a bottom component hinged to the top component, the top component and the bottom component defining spaced clasping cavities adapted to engage the frame support of the chair;

a storage compartment defined by the top component and the bottom component; and

a locking mechanism adapted to secure the top component to the bottom component while securing the clasping cavities to the frame of the chair;

wherein the first component and the second component each comprise external surfaces that, when engaged, provide smooth continuous surfaces to an external surface of the container.

2. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the clasping cavities extend through the container.

3. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame support comprises a frame bar.

4. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component comprise radiused external surfaces.

5. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component each comprise substantially smooth external surfaces.

6. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the clasping cavities comprise both linear and curvilinear surfaces.

7. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one of a padlock, a hasp, and a briefcase lock.

8. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is adapted to store valuables.

9. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the valuables comprise at least one of a phone, a wallet, a watch, glasses, and keys.

10. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the chair comprises a lounge chair.

11. The lockable container as recited in claim 10, wherein the lounge chair comprises one of a pool lounge chair and a beach lounge chair.

12. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the bottom component includes drainage holes.

13. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the bottom component includes a plurality of punch out holes.

14. The lockable container as recited in claim 13, wherein the plurality of punch out holes is adapted to receive fasteners.

15. The lockable container as recited in claim 13, wherein the plurality of punch out holes is adapted to receive a manual bracket installation.

16. The lockable container as recited in claim 1, wherein the clasping cavities comprise support cavities.

17. The lockable container as recited in claim 6, wherein the linear and curvilinear surfaces are adapted to engage a frame support of various size.

18. The lockable container as recited in claim 17, wherein the linear and curvilinear surfaces are adapted to engage universal frame supports.