Multi-Purpose Storage Device

Abstract

A storage device comprises a body portion, a releasable lid and a hanging apparatus. The body portion includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, the body portion further including a mounting point on an upper side of the bottom wall. The releasable lid defines a hole and is dimensioned to cover a top of the body portion opposite the bottom wall. The hanging apparatus extends from the mounting point of the body portion and through the hole of the lid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related generally to storage devices and, more particularly, to storage and transport devices for clothing and other items for use in a setting without proper hanging facilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

General storage devices are obviously well known in the art. Containers, both with and without lids are used to facilitate storage, organization and easy transfer of items. Such containers vary in both strength and size to serve many different purposes. However, a simple storage container, either with or without a lid, is not enough for some settings.

For example, many hunters utilize rough and relatively primitive living accommodations. Therefore, it is desirable to utilize a strong plastic storage container to protect their belongings rather than simple luggage. Furthermore, in this type of setting the user of the storage container will be traveling with more than just clothing and may need large items such as pots and pans for cooking. Once hunters arrive at their accommodations there may be a lack of locations to hang their clothing which may need to dry out overnight; standard storage devices known in the art do not properly satisfy this need.

While a vast array of storage devices exist, there is still a need for a storage device that it is simple yet can serve these multiple functions.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an multiple purpose storage device overcoming some of the problems and shortcomings of the prior art, including those referred to above.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multiple-purpose storage device adapted to allow easy packing and transport while allowing storage and hanging of objects, primarily clothing, once the device has been transported.

How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent from the following descriptions and the drawings.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a storage device designed for easy use both as a storage device for bulky objects and simultaneously as a rack for hanging and/or drying clothes. This invention, which will be described in detail below, is an improvement in storage container design where the storage container serves only one purpose and does not provide any apparatus for hanging.

The inventive storage device comprises a body portion, a releasable lid and a hanging apparatus. The body portion includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, the body portion further including a mounting point on an upper side of the bottom wall. The releasable lid defines a hole and is dimensioned to cover a top of the body portion opposite the bottom wall. The hanging apparatus extends from the mounting point of the body portion and through the hole of the lid.

In another preferred embodiment of the storage device the hanging apparatus is collapsible. In this invention use of the word collapsible includes any known method of decreasing the size of the hanging apparatus. Therefore, an apparatus that is foldable or capable of being disassembled or capable of collapsing into itself would all be considered to be collapsible under the current invention.

In a more specific embodiment, the hanging apparatus includes a top and a bottom with the bottom of the hanging apparatus is supported in place by the mounting point of the body portion.

In another embodiment the hanging apparatus is comprised of a plurality of pole sections releasably connected to each other. Further, the body portion then includes a releasable lid that covers a top of the body portion opposite the bottom wall. The releasable lid defines a hole for allowing the hanging device to pass through the lid when the hanging device is in place with the mounting point.

In yet a further preferred embodiment the hanging apparatus further includes a cross extension section releasably attached to a top pole section. Further embodiments may include a plurality of these cross extension sections.

In other embodiments the lid may include a releaseable cap for sealing the hole in the lid when the hanging apparatus is not in use. Also, in preferred embodiments the pole sections and cross extension sections of the hanging apparatus are sized to fit within the body section of the storage device when they are disassembled or collapsed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a storage device of the present invention including a cutaway view to show the mounting point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a storage device 10 of the current invention. The storage device 10 includes a body portion 20, a hanging apparatus 30 and a lid 40. In this preferred embodiment, all the pieces of the storage device are formed from plastic, however any other materials capable of performing the function could be utilized. For example, if further strength were needed, the storage device 10 could be made from metal.

The body portion 20 is comprised of four side walls 22 and a bottom wall 23. The side walls 22 all include a top 24 and a bottom 25. The bottoms 25 of the side walls 22 are connected to the bottom wall 25 and the side walls 22 are connected to the side walls 22 on either side. This forms the body portion 20. The bottom wall 23 further includes an upper side 27 that includes a circular-shaped mounting point 26 for receiving the hanging apparatus 30.

In this preferred embodiment the hanging apparatus 30 is comprised of four pole sections 31 and two cross extension sections 32. Each pole section 31 has an open top 33 and tapered bottom 34. Preferably, the pole sections 31 and cross extension sections 32 are of dimensions to fit within the body section 20 when not in use. In this embodiment, one of the pole sections 31 defines slots 35 for receiving the cross extension sections 32. However, in other embodiments, each pole section 31 could include the slots 34 so that it did not matter which individual pole section 31 was on top. Each cross extension section 32 fits within a slot 35 in a locking relationship when downward force is applied yet easily releasable when upward force is applied.

The lid 40 is dimensioned to fit on top of the body portion 20. The lid 40 includes an outer lip 41 that is sized to mate with the tops 24 of the side walls 22 of the body portion 20. The lid 40 defines a hole 42 that, when the lid 40 is in the mated relationship with the body portion, is aligned with the mounting point 26. In this preferred embodiment, the lid 40 also includes a releasable cap 43 sized to fit the hole 42. This cap 43 is preferably attached to the lid 40 so that when it is removed from the hole 42 it is not easily lost.

In use the storage device 10 will be utilized primarily in two ways. First, when the storage device 10 is being transported or there is no need for the hanging apparatus 30, the pole sections 31 and cross extension sections 32 can be easily stored with the body portion 20 with the lid 40 on. The cap 43 is placed in the hole 42 and the storage device 10 is sealed like any known storage container.

Second, when the hanging apparatus 30 is needed, the lid 40 is removed from the body portion 20 and the cap 43 is opened exposing the hole 42. The hanging apparatus 30 is then assembled by inserting the tapered bottom 34 of one pole section 31 into the open top 33 of another pole section 31. The pole section 31 that includes the slots 35 is placed at the top and the other three sections are assembled below. The cross extension sections 32 are then inserted into the slots 35. Optionally, the lid 40 can be placed back on top of the body portion, whereby the hole 42 is aligned with the mounting point 26. The assembled hanging apparatus 30 is then slid into the hole 42 until the tapered bottom 34 of the bottom-most pole section 31 is inserted into the mounting point 26. The storage device 10 is then assembled to be used to hang clothes or whatever else may be needed.

While the principles of the invention have been shown and described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that such embodiments are by way of example and are not limiting.

Claims

1. A storage device comprising:

a body portion including a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, the body portion further including a mounting point on an upper side of the bottom wall;

a releasable lid defining a hole and dimensioned to cover a top of the body portion opposite the bottom wall;

and a hanging apparatus extending from the mounting point of the body portion and through the hole of the lid.

2. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the hanging apparatus is collapsible.

3. The storage device of claim 2 wherein the hanging apparatus is releasable and includes a top and a bottom and the bottom of the hanging apparatus is supported in place by the mounting point of the body portion.

4. The storage device of claim 3 wherein the hanging apparatus is comprised of a plurality of pole sections releasably connected to each other.

5. The storage device of claim 4 wherein the hanging apparatus further includes a cross extension section releasably attached to a top pole section.

6. The storage device of claim 5 including a plurality of cross extension sections releasably attached to the top pole section.

7. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the body portion and the mounting point are integral.

8. The storage device of claim 7 wherein the storage device is comprised of plastic.

9. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the lid further includes a releasable cap sized to fit the hole when the hanging apparatus is removed.

10. The storage device of claim 9 wherein the pole sections and cross extensions fit within the body section when released from each other.