COLLAPSIBLE STORAGE UNIT WITH WHEELS
A collapsible storage unit with wheels comprises front, rear, left and right wall panels and, optionally, a bottom panel. The left and right wall panels are foldable inwardly to create a collapsed storage unit that is relatively flat. In another embodiment, the front and rear wall panels are foldable in a similar manner. The collapsible storage unit further comprises removable support beams, and in a disclosed embodiment, an optional removable support rod, extending between the front and rear wall panels. Wheels are affixed to the support beams such that the collapsible storage unit may be readily moved across multiple types of surfaces. A handle may be attached to or formed in a wall panel to provide easier grip and movement of the collapsible storage unit.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/086,595, filed on Oct. 1, 2020, titled COLLAPSIBLE STORAGE UNIT WITH WHEELS, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the InventionThe present invention relates generally to storage units. More particularly, the present invention relates to collapsible storage units with wheels.
Description of Related ArtStorage units currently used under beds in homes have several deficiencies. For example, storage units that are collapsible lack adequate rigidity. They deform when manipulated or moved and have limited weight capacity. Additionally, storage units without wheels are difficult to maneuver on surfaces, especially carpets and rugs. Moreover, rigid storage units that are not collapsible are usually expensive to ship because of their size and weight.
There is a need in the field of storage units, therefore, for a collapsible storage unit with wheels that is also structurally rigid. The present invention satisfies that need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention comprises front, rear, left and right wall panels and, optionally, a bottom panel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the left and right wall panels are foldable such that the left and right wall panels may be folded inwardly to create a collapsed storage unit that is relatively flat such that shipping size and cost may be reduced. In another embodiment of the present invention, the front and rear wall panels are foldable in a similar manner to achieve similar benefits. The collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention further comprises removable support beams, and in one disclosed embodiment a removable support rod, extending between the front and rear wall panels. Caster wheels are affixed to the support beams such that the collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention may be readily moved across multiple types of surfaces. A handle may be attached to or formed in a wall panel to provide easier grip and movement of the collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention. Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps, and processes.
While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described one or more embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative only and is not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment described or illustrated.
The following descriptions relate principally to preferred embodiments while a few alternative embodiments may also be referenced on occasion, although it should be understood that many other alternative embodiments would also fall within the scope of the invention. The embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as describing limits to the invention, whereas the broader scope of the invention should instead be considered with reference to the claims, which may be now appended or may later be added or amended in this or
related applicationsUnless indicated otherwise, it is to be understood that terms used in these descriptions generally have the same meanings as those that would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that terms used are generally intended to have the ordinary meanings that would be understood within the context of the related art, and they generally should not be restricted to formal or ideal definitions, unless and only to the extent that a particular context clearly requires otherwise. Synonymous or equivalent terms may be used in different instances in the specification and should not be construed to limit the invention.
For purposes of these descriptions, a few wording simplifications should also be understood as universal, except to the extent otherwise clarified in a particular context either in the specification or in particular claims. The use of the term “or” should be understood as referring to alternatives, although it is generally used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only, or unless the alternatives are inherently mutually exclusive. Furthermore, unless explicitly dictated by the language, the term “and” may be interpreted as “or” in some instances. When referencing values, the term “about” may be used to indicate an approximate value, generally one that could be read as being that value plus or minus half of the value. “A” or “an” and the like may mean one or more, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Such “one or more” meanings are most especially intended when references are made in conjunction with open-ended words such as “having,” “comprising” or “including.” Likewise, “another” object may mean at least a second object or more. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the use of “may” or “may be” indicates that a modified term is appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. Directional terms such as left, right, front, rear, top, and bottom are non-limiting and do not restrict the invention to particular orientations. Example quantities and sizing dimensions are described herein but do not limit the invention, as other sizes and quantities can be implemented.
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Claims
1. A collapsible storage unit comprising:
- a front wall panel;
- a rear wall panel;
- a left wall panel;
- a right wall panel;
- a first support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel;
- a second support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel;
- a support rod removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel and disposed between the first support beam and the second support beam;
- a plurality of wheels affixed to the first support beam and the second support beam; and
- a handle attached to the front wall panel,
- wherein at least two of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise seams to allow such at least two panels to be folded.
2. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the storage unit further comprises a bottom panel disposed between the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel.
3. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise an outer layer of textile fabric.
4. The collapsible storage unit of claim 3, wherein the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel are sewn together to form a generally rectangular shape.
5. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the at least two such panels that comprise seams to allow such two panels to be folded comprise the left wall panel and the right wall panel.
6. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the at least two such panels that comprise seams to allow such two panels to be folded comprise the front wall panel and the rear wall panel.
7. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels comprise caster wheels.
8. The collapsible storage unit of claim 2, wherein the bottom panel is removable.
9. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein when the first support beam, the second support beam and the support rod are removed, the storage unit collapses into a generally flat shape.
10. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the first support beam, the second support beam and the support rod are removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel with threaded fasteners.
11. A collapsible storage unit comprising:
- a front wall panel;
- a rear wall panel;
- a left wall panel;
- a right wall panel;
- a first support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel;
- a second support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel; and
- a plurality of wheels affixed to the first support beam and the second support beam,
- wherein at least two of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise seams to allow such at least two panels to be folded.
12. The collapsible storage unit of claim 11, further comprising at least one handle.
13. The collapsible storage unit of claim 12 wherein the at least one handle is attached to at least one of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel or the right wall panel.
14. The collapsible storage unit of claim 11, further comprising at least one support rod removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel and disposed between the first support beam and the second support beam.
15. A collapsible storage unit comprising:
- a front wall panel;
- a rear wall panel;
- a left wall panel;
- a right wall panel;
- at least two support beams removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel; and
- a plurality of wheels affixed to each of the at least two support beams,
- wherein at least two of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise seams to allow such at least two panels to be folded.
16. The collapsible storage unit of claim 15, further comprising at least one handle.
17. The collapsible storage unit of claim 16 wherein the at least one handle is attached to at least one of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel or the right wall panel.
18. The collapsible storage unit of claim 15, further comprising at least one support rod removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel and disposed between the at least two support beams.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 30, 2021
Publication Date: Apr 7, 2022
Inventor: Dezheng QU (Shenzhen)
Application Number: 17/490,848